Keshi resigns as Nigeria coach

Super Eagles coach steps down after his side bow out of the World Cup following defeat by France in the last 16 on Monday

Stephen Keshi has resigned as head coach of Nigeria following their World Cup elimination by France.

The Super Eagles reached the last 16 before losing 2-0 to Didier Deschamps' side on Monday thanks to a Paul Pogba header and a Joseph Yobo own goal, both of which came late in the game.

Yobo, who picked up his 100th cap against France, announced his retirement to gathered media after the match, before his coach said that he would also step down.

Keshi, who took over as Nigeria coach in 2011, said: "It's time for me to go back to my family and face fresh challenges."

Keshi, 52, has stepped aside before only be to convinced to return, after the Confederations Cup last summer, but is to move on and has been linked with the South Africa job. 

The defeat to France also spelt the end of Yobo's long international career. The 33-year-old Fenerbahce defender told the BBC: "It's time to give a chance to other people to come through.

"I wanted to leave on a high for my country. Defeat by France was not the right way to go but I'm happy with all I've done for the national team." 

Nigeria reached the last 16 after coming second to Argentina in a group that also included Iran and Bosnia Herzegovina.

-GOAL