The managerial fortunes of three of the ACN participants have hit the headlines, with one coach going, one determined to stay and another being begged to stay by the country’s highest authority.

Mali coach Stephen Keshi was predictably fired after his fancied Mali side failed dismally in the competition.

Keshi himself said last week that he was “open to offers” after his side had failed to reach the quarter-finals. And his federation’s confirmation pulled no punches.

Their statement claimed: “Certain players and some of the backroom staff showed barely professional behaviour” in announcing the sacking of the entire coaching staff and medical team.”

Nigerian coach Shaibu Amodu refused to comment on what future, if any, he had in charge of the Super Eagles, responding to questions on the topic with “I won’t talk World Cup now” and the unlikely “I don’t know what you mean.”

Amodu reached his federation’s pre-tournament target of a semi-final place, but his team failed to impress along the way. Nonetheless, he concluded: “I’m satisfied – the semi-final is not a bad performance”.

There are reports linking Zambian coach Herve Renard with the Nigerian job. And Zambian president Rupiah Banda has urged the Frenchman to stay with the Chipolopolos after their run to the quarter-finals.

Banda had demanded competition victory. But, perhaps with an eye on the rapturous reception the team received on their homecoming, he said: “I will do everything in my power to persuade Renard to stay.”