Hours before Nigeria and Senegal clash in the third
place match of the ongoing African Cup of Nations here Thursday,
Nigeria's sports minister Dr Seidu Sambawa has revealed that the coaching
staff "will not be sacked" after the tournament ends Friday.

The Minister thus put to rest speculations emanating from the teams' camp
that the coaching crew was handling their final match against Senegal.

"As far as we are concerned, the team has done very well and all we need
to do is to encourage them to do better next time, instead of changing
them after every tournament because we did not win," Sambawa told PANA at
the Marriot Cairo Hotel.

"I want the best for Nigeria in everything and I want Nigerians to rise
to the highest levels by encouraging them. The Eagles tried their best
against Cote d'Ivoire, but it was just not their day," the minister said.

Sambawa also revealed that the players were not owed bonus money and
therefore had no reason to be discouraged.

"We've ensured that they have been provided for since their camping in
Portugal when they had about 50 players and we have continued to give
them incentives to bring out the best in them.

"If it means we have to train and retrain the coaches, I'll suggest we do
that instead of hiring a foreign coach. It's my personal opinion but I
strongly believe Nigerians can be the best if we encourage them."