Stars in Europe - Keyplayer - Senegal - Nicolas Jacksión

The second-highest African goal scorer in the 2023-24 season, only behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.

17 Feb 2026
Stars in Europe - Keyplayer - Cameroon - Bryan Mbeumo

He is particularly effective at carrying the ball into dangerous areas

16 Feb 2026
Stars in Europe - Keyplayer - Congo DR - Chancel Mbemba

He won the Belgian Pro League in his debut season of 2013-14.

15 Feb 2026
Stars in Europe - Keyplayer - Burkina Faso - Bertrand Traoré

 He made his debut for the senior national team at the age of 15

11 Feb 2026
Stars in Europe - Keyplayer - Nigeria - Victor Osimhen

He is known for his physical presence, athleticism, strength, directness

9 Feb 2026
Stars in Europe - Keyplayer - Congo DR - Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Spider-Man tackling skills

8 Feb 2026
Stars in Europe - Keyplayer - Morocco - Achraf Hakimi 

African Player of the Year 2025

7 Feb 2026
Stars in Europe - Keyplayer - Morocco - Brahim Diaz

Africa Cup of Nations 2025 - Top Scorer

3 Feb 2026
Stars in Europe - Keyplayer - Egypt - Mo Salah

Salah is the all-time top African goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League.

31 Jan 2026
2025 AFRICA CUP - How Senegal Produces Football Talent

How Senegal produces football talents

28 Jan 2026

NATIONAL TEAM - NIGERIA - COACH - Keshi appointed for the third time

AFRICA CUP 2017 QUALIFIERS

 

In his first spell he won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations but the deal was not renewed after the 2014 World Cup.

He later returned on a match-by-match deal, which ended in November after failure to reach the 2015 Nations Cup.

"It's a fresh start.

We need the support of our fans, media and every Nigerian to return the team to where we truly belong," Keshi told BBC Sport.

"As a coach and former player I was also hurt that we failed to qualify for the last Nations Cup.

"To succeed we all need to come together as one because Nigeria belongs to us - this is not Stephen Keshi's team but our national team."

Keshi has been set several targets and that his contract will be terminated if he does not meet them.

The 53-year-old was also required to sign a code of conduct and is expected to work with the Nigerian Football Federation technical committee.

However, the NFF's technical committee boss Felix Anyansi-Agwu said: "The NFF board is confident Stephen Keshi can take the Super Eagles to new heights.

"We want Nigerians to see this as a new beginning and to support the team and the NFF."

Keshi, who also won the Nations Cup as a player with Nigeria in 1994, declined to comment on the contract details or the exit of his long-term assistant Daniel Amokachi.

Former Nigeria striker Amokachi has left his role with immediate effect and been replaced by Salisu Yusuf.

Yusuf, who led Kano Pillars to the Nigerian title in 2008, has previously worked as assistant to former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia at both senior and U20 levels.

As caretaker coach, Keshi endured a turbulent 2014, in which he was sacked by the NFF and only reinstalled after intervention from Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan.

His last two home matches in Abuja and Akwa Ibom were marred by a negative reaction from the public and Keshi has pleaded for the home supporters to be positive during the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles have been drawn in one of the toughest-looking groups, alongside seven-time champions Egypt, Tanzania and Chad.

"I understand we still have some disappointed people out there but our dedicated players deserve our encouragement and support," added Keshi.

"It doesn't matter where they play, these boys always give everything and we need to stand by them and the coaching crew.

"I remain confident that this time around we will see an improvement, change in attitude and positive results."

 

 

22 Apr 2015
(BBC Sport by Oluwashina Okeleji)

Related countries

Related articles