The decision follows the Super Eagles' shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of unfancied Sierra Leone in a crucial World Cup qualifying game last weekend.

The defeat in Freetown badly damaged Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

The NFA decision to sack the man who won Olympic football gold for Nigeria in 1996 followed in a six-hour marathon meeting in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

The NFA has decided to replace Bonfrere with a caretaker triumvirate of current assistant coach Amodu Shuaibu, under-20 coach Stephen Keshi, and goalkeeping coach Joe Erico.

 

Former national captain Keshi will help coach the Super Eagles now

The three men will prepare the Super Eagles for their truly crucial World Cup qualifier against group leaders Liberia, on 5 May in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt.

Before the meeting, the Nigerian Sports Minister Ishaya Mark Aku made it clear that he expected the NFA to sack the coach.

There had been several public rows between Bonfrere and the NFA.

According to the BBC Sport Online correspondent in Abuja, the NFA has decided to listen to the voice of angry and disappointed Nigerian football fans who had been calling for Bonfrere's dismissal.

There has been no reaction yet from the sacked Dutchman.

Bonfrere had earlier rescinded a threat he made before the game to quit as coach if the team lost to Sierra Leone, claiming the players had pleaded with him to stay on.