New Super Eagles’ coach Lars Lagerback has expressed his joy at being appointed technical adviser of the Super Eagles, saying he is already working on plans to ensure a great outing for Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, while being officially presented to the Honourable Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Enginner Sani Ndanusa, the 61–year-old said he is aware that, without meaning any disrespect, football is like religion in Nigeria.
"It is for this reason that every coach of the Nigeria team must work very hard to get results. I am already working on a plan. I promise that I will do this job with my whole heart and with total commitment."
Sports Minister Ndanusa made it clear to Lagerback that football has high political value in Nigeria, pledging that the government would give him an enabling environment to work in.
"When we win a football match, there is joy everywhere, and when we lose, there is sadness everywhere. You must ensure that we are always smiling, and you must take our football beyond the period of the World Cup."
NFF president, Sani Lulu Abdullahi, traced the process that led to the appointment of the new technical adviser, and applauded the panel of interviewers for a great job, while commending the Presidential Task Force for agreeing to foot his bills.
Present at the event were Director- General of the National Sports Commission, Dr Patrick Ekeji, other directors in the NSC, NFF president, Lulu Abdullahi, NFF technical committee chairman Taiwo Ogunjobi, his deputy Dominic Iorfa, general secretary Bolaji Ojo-Oba and assistant general secretary (technical) Mr James Peters.
