Nigeria coach Amodu Shaibu has been sacked after his team failed to progress further than the semi-finals of the African Nations' Cup. His sacking has looked inevitable despite the nearness of the World Cup.
The Nigerian sports ministry said in a statement today that they felt the 42-year-old's handling of the squad at the tournament in Mali was not up to scratch. Nigeria's campaign was characterised by rows and dissent within the camp with many feeling that the coach and his staff were unable to cope with the big name European-based players.
Shaibu took over the running of the Nigerian side ten months ago in the middle of their World Cup qualifying campaign which culminated in success and a place in the 'Group of Death' along with England, Sweden and Argentina. Previously he was boss from 1994 to 1997.
As well as speculation about Shaibu's future questions have also been raised regarding the future of experienced men like Town's Finidi George. Many feel that Nigeria need to bring on a younger generation of players to succeed in Japan and South Korea.