Akwa United Coach, Rafael Everton has waved Nigeria goodbye after guiding the Promise Keepers to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Championship Playoffs.

Everton revealed he was on his way out of Nigeria weeks after he had failed to help the 2017 Aiteo Cup Champions either win their maiden domestic league title or secure a continental spot during the NPFL Super Six tourney.

“Thank you for everything Lord Jesus. For the stage and season completed. Nigeria thanks. I love this country. I think it will be a see you. God bless you all,” he wrote on Facebook.

The Brazilian was appointed by the management of the club – led by Elder Paul Bassey – to oversee the team after Abdu Maikaba chose to move to Plateau United at the end of the 2017/2018 season.

The 30-year-old in recent times – alongside the management of Akwa United – have been subjected to intense criticism owing to the inability of the club to pick a continental slot in the just concluded season despite its array of NPFL stars.

Everton was nowhere to be found during the club’s last game in the NPFL Championship Playoffs as the Promise Keepers consequently lost heavily to Enyimba.

He was also absent all through the Promise Keepers third Aiteo Cup campaign where they got evicted in the Round of 32, losing by three goals to Rivers United.

Reports speculated the former Ifeanyi Gaffer had been sacked but the club officials have chosen to keep mute about the situation, thereby, refusing to grant press about the Brazilian’s deal with the club.

Everton has had stints at different clubs in Nigeria.

He first coached Ifeanyi Ubah FC where he nipped the record of being the youngest coach to win the FA Cup and later had a brief stint with Abia Warriors.

It is yet to be established if the South American and his fellow countrymen (Trainer and midfielder Alberico da Silva) have parted ways with the Akwa Ibom-based outfit.