Mohamed Fajah Barrie BBC Sport, Cairo

With coach Eguavoen, the future of Nigeria is bright Outgoing Nigeria captain Jay Jay Okocha

Outgoing Nigeria captain Jay Jay Okocha has backed calls for Austin Eguavoen to remain in charge of the Super Eagles.

Although Nigeria lost 1-0 to the Ivory Coast in Tuesday's African Cup of Nations semi-final, Okocha believes Eguavoen has started the important process of building a young, talented side that will be formidable in the future.

"Eguavoen is a young coach who has proven himself and I think he should be given the chance to continue," Okocha told BBC Sport on Tuesday.

He added: "With coach Eguavoen, the future of Nigeria is bright because he's building a young team."

Eguavoen is determined to stay on as coach despite Tuesday's loss, Nigeria third successive defeat in a Nations Cup semi-final.

"I'm determined to continue my job with the Super Eagles because I want to continue my plans to build a solid young team," said Eguavoen, who hopes to beat Senegal in Thursday's third place match.

Meanwhile, Okocha has reiterated that he will retire from international football at the end of Nations Cup campaign.