The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) acting president, Aminu Maigari, has dismissed reports that he said Lars Lagerback had left the Nigerian manager post after a disappointing World Cup.
Maigari said he was shocked to hear that he told the media that the Swedish coach had walked away from his role.
“I am very surprised over the publication, because I said no such thing to anyone. I wonder where the person got his information from,” Maigari said.
“I indeed spoke with Lagerback, who indicated his continued interest in coaching the team pending his conclusion with his legal adviser and family, that he will get back to us, we haven’t even made him an offer yet.”
When asked about the possibility of Samson Siasia taking over the position, Maigari said such a move was possible.
“We have a plan B, we have discussed with Siasia and he is willing, so we are waiting for the response from Lagerback.”
The NFF vice-president, Obinna Ogba, added that in the event that Lagerback returns, he would work alongside Siasia.
“We want Lagerback to work with Siasia but if Lagerback fails to turn up, Siasia will take over the team,” he said.
Samson Siasia, who coached Nigerian youth teams to silver at the World Youth Championship in 2005 and at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 is a fan’s favourite and is widely expected to assume the national team job at some point in the near future.
