Lagerback: No limits for Nigeria

Posted Wednesday, April 07, 2010 by FIFA.com

Lars Lagerback is Nigeria’s 23rd expatriate coach since Englishman John Finch in 1949, but he is the first Scandinavian to handle the Super Eagles. Always considered something of a long-shot to get the post ahead of former England bosses, Sven Goran-Eriksson and Glenn Hoddle, the Swede apparently dazzled his interviewers to be picked ahead of a strong field of candidates this past February.

An impressed President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Sani Lulu, hailed Lagerback as Nigeria’s own ‘Special One,’ declaring that “the coach’s bearing and sure-footedness will impart the right mentality and new spirit on our players.” In this exclusive interview with FIFA.com, coach Lagerback shares his thoughts, impressions and expectations surrounding his first-ever adventure in Africa.

FIFA.com: Congratulations on your appointment as coach of Nigeria. How has it been so far working with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)?
Lars Lagerback: Thank you. I have really been impressed with the hospitality I have received here. I have also met many very positive people. It has been a fantastic time with some kind words for me and also some tough words. The Nigeria Football Federation has really done a good job by planning for friendly matches and ensuring that the team is busy which will help me also make quick assessment of the players. I think we can do something, but of course I wish we had more time for preparations.

Nigerian football is going through some trying times. Could you say this is a difficult position to take over right now?
No team could be said not to have problems. The basic thing for a team is to have good individual skills, and I can tell you sincerely that from the number of matches of the Super Eagles that I have watched, it is evidently clear that Nigerian players have the basic ingredients required in football.

So, the next thing to consider is the attitude of the players themselves. That is - are they ready to work 100 per cent for the team? Are they ready to work from their hearts? What does it mean for them to play in the national team of their country? And also would they play the way everybody expects and also do their best to lift the team all the time? If they can do that as well as have the required individual skills, such players will always have the chance to play many matches for the Super Eagles under me.