The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) has unveiled Greek coach Nicos Nioplias as the new national team boss two months after the sacking of his compatriot Angelos Anastasiades.
“The CFA announces that it has reached a verbal agreement with Mr. Nicos Nioplias to take over the national side’s duties for the remainder of the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign as well as the qualifying campaign for the FIFA 2014 World Cup”, read an announcement by the CFA. “The new coach is expected to arrive in Cyprus within the next one to two weeks to sign his contract with the CFA and to meet our international players.”
Nioplias – who took Panathinaikos to the league and Cup double back in the 2009-2010 season – is also known for his sterling work with the Hellenic Football Federation’s youth set up.
The 46-year-old made a name for himself back in 2007 when he led the Greece under-17 side to the final of the U19 European Championship where they eventually lost 1-0 to Spain.
He then took over the under-21 side earning four wins, one draw and one defeat before leaving for Panathinaikos.
The former OFI and Panathinaikos midfielder also helped lead Panathinaikos to the quarterfinals of the Europa League where they lost to Standard Liege over two legs.
Nioplias has 23 international caps with Greece to his name.
Cyprus currently sit second from bottom in Group H having picked up just two points from their opening four matches. They next take on Portugal on September 2 at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium in Larnaca.

Source: Cyprus weekly