Keshi, Amokachi approved for TV roles

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi and assistant Daniel Amokachi have been given permission to work as TV pundits during the Africa Cup of Nations.

The pair will work for continental sports channel SuperSport, after being allowed to do so by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The decision of both coaches to take on the role of match analysts during the competition had come under scrutiny in light of the fact Nigeria play a crucial Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda on February 29, less than two weeks after the tournament ends.

But the NFF believe the pair’s work with the broadcaster will be a way of gaining insight into their potential opponents’ squads.

“The NFF has okayed Stephen Keshi and Daniel Amokachi. They have the blessing of the federation to work as pundits,” the NFF’s Chris Green told SuperSport.

“Keshi and Amokachi will have the chance to watch the 16 teams at the Africa Cup of Nations and analyse them.”

“They will also listen to other people analyse them. So we believe this will be an advantage to them as we may likely meet any of the 16 sides during the 2013 AFCON qualifiers.”

“We expect them to return to their duty posts from February 6 so that they can prepare the national team for the game against Rwanda, which is a priority now.”