2010 W/Cup: Lagerback Impresses Players

Nigeria’s Technical Adviser, Lars Lagerback made an instant impression on members of his squad when he met them for the first time on Thursday afternoon.

Lagerback, appointed in March to replace Shuiabu Amodu, was introduced to the squad by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Sani Lulu Abdullahi, and immediately proceeded to shock the players by calling each by name and then showing them individual video highlights of their performances.

Forward Osaze Odewmingie was pleasantly surprised.

“When I saw the video it was unexpected. But it shows he has been doing his homework,” the Lokomotiv Moscow forward stated.

But it was not only at the team meeting that Lagerback won brownie points with his players. His training session was also well received.

“This first session was very important, and the way he talked to everybody, I can say that every one of us enjoyed it. And we are ready to work and to give hundred percent,” Kanu said.

“It was fantastic, we were relaxed. It was almost like he had been in Nigeria for one year already. Now, the most important thing is for us to work and make sure that we can do what he wants us to do.”

His assistant Joseph Yobo agreed.

“I think it is good for the first day. His pedigree speaks for itself. He’s been coaching Sweden for a long time. Hopefully, he brings that experience here.

“Everyone enjoyed the first training session and we are all looking forward to the remainder of the time and what he will bring.”

The team’s honeymoon period continued on Friday as the squad got down to the grind with a closed session in the morning.

Lagerback declared  that the short time is not something that unduly troubles the Swede, as he says all other teams are in the same both.

“We have the same time as every team going to the World Cup. For me, I was happy to get a chance to meet with the players and to start work.

“We have to understand the philosophy and practise well and use the friendly matches very well because they are very important,” he said

Nigeria open their World Cup campaign with a daunting confrontation against Diego Maradona’s Argentina led by red hot World Player of the year Lionel Messi, but Lagerback says his players must play without fear.

“We cannot go into any match with fear. We must go there with the belief that we can win every match we play, it doesn’t matter whether it is Argentina, or Brazil or Greece.

“If we practise well, and play with hard work and confidence then we can win and we can go far in the World Cup.”