Stephen Keshi May Not Return as Super Eagles Coach

Stephen Keshi has appeared to rule himself out of a return as Nigeria
coach after losing patience with the Nigeria Football Federation
(NFF).

Keshi's contract expired on 30 June, shortly after he led Nigeria to
the last 16 at the World Cup, and he had been negotiating a new deal.

He told BBC Sport: "Talks over a new contract shouldn't drag on. I
can't wait any more - the NFF is not serious.

"I have moved on. I can only wish the country well for the future."

Talks had been ongoing since July but a series of delays caused by
problems within the federation, including the sacking and the
Fifa-ordered reinstatement of the governing body's president Aminu
Maigari.

"There's a game in two weeks [Nations Cup qualifier against Congo] but
no-one is thinking about it and at the same time they expect you to
win," Kehsi continued.

"I understand the ongoing crisis facing the federation but the
national team should not suffer from such at this crucial stage.

"Sadly, I also think attention is focused more on the upcoming NFF
elections and the national team is simply not a priority."

The NFF officials are understood to have offered Keshi a new four-year
deal and same $30,000-a-month salary he was paid in his first stint as
manager, while the coach had asked for an increase.

Keshi says he has rejected offers from other African countries while
the negotiations have been going on.

"I've had about seven countries approach me in the last two months but
I kept them all away," he added.

"I love my country and I am aware of the dream our fans had of me
taking this team to the next level.

"While acknowledging the efforts of some people involved in the
negotiation, I think others probably have other important things to
do."

Nigeria have already named a 23-man squad for their upcoming
qualifiers against Congo on 6 September and South Africa four days
later.

The defending champions will also face Sudan in Group A with the top
two advancing to January's finals in Morocco.

Meanwhile, NFF officials say Fifa has endorsed their plan to hold a
general assembly on 26 August to consider and approve a new roadmap
for elections of the body's executive committee.

The assembly will be asked to postpone the elections that were also
due to be held on Tuesday, following unresolved complaints raised by
some candidates.