By Eniwoke Ibagere BBC Sport Online, Lagos

Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu has promised not to fall short of expectations, despite mounting criticisms over his appointment.

"We (Chukwu and his assistants) will not disappoint Nigerians," he told reporters.

"We know the magnitude of the assignment and we are prepared to make all Nigerians proud."

On Monday, the Nigerian FA handed a Chukwu, a past captain of the national team, a two-year contract to train the Eagles.

Austin Eguavoen will be his assistant, with Amusa Adisa becoming the goalkeeper's trainer.

Nigerian newspapers have reported that the coaches salaries were yet to be finalised.

Declining form

Chukwu said he is well aware of Nigeria's disappointing results over the last two years.

"Our aim is to succeed and improve on the Eagles' outing at the World Cup."

The form of the Super Eagles, made up of overseas-based players, dipped after losing on penalties to Cameroon at the 2000 African Nations Cup final.

They only reached the semi-final at the 2002 African Nations Cup in Mali and made a first round exit at the World Cup in Japan.

Chukwu, who managed the Kenyan national team in the recent past, defended his stint in the East African country.

His poor record with the Harambee Stars has been cited by commentators as a reason why he should not have been given the Nigerian job.

"I don't agree with people who refer to my period in Kenya as a failure," he said.

"I didn't have better quality players to work with and besides, I took Kenya to reach the Cecafa Cup final."