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Keshi hints at Nigeria exit

Johannesburg - Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi hinted that he may leave Nigeria after the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final against Burkina Faso on Sunday.

According to the football411.com website, Keshi had a run in with certain Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by their cup final opponents in their first group stage match.

The Super Eagles then failed to beat the 2012 AFCON champions Zambia and bounced back with a 2-0 victory against Ethiopia in the final group game that ensured progress to the next round.

In the quarter-final they battled hard to beat fellow tournament favourites Ivory Coast 2-1, and then put on a super display against Mali whom they thrashed 4-1.

Nigeria are overwhelming favourites to lift the Africa Cup against the Burkinabe who are in their first final ever.

"We are all professionals. If God grants me (the AFCON title with Nigeria today), the very next day, I might pack my things and leave for another country," Keshi said at a press conference.

"It is the same thing with (Jose) Mourinho and all the other top coaches in the world. I could stay on and I could leave. It depends on the situation.

"I am a professional and we will see how it goes. This is where my heart is, I captained the Super Eagles for 14 years. I have been here as assistant coach. I am here for now but after the tournament, we will see if there is any (offer) out there.

Keshi, who led Nigeria to AFCON success in 1994 as the captain further added: "It doesn't really matter what people think about what Stephen Keshi is doing. The most important thing is what I am doing here and passing on to my team. If back home in my country, they don't appreciate what I am doing with the team, so be it."

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