Sports
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.”
The decision comes after Benin failed to secure approval for any of their home stadiums from the Confederation of African Football.
As a result, the federation opted to play its “home” fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.
The first leg of the second-round qualifier will be held in Togo on October 24, whilst the return leg will take place four days later in Nigeria on October 28.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will advance to the 2026 WAFC
Ferdinand soared to victory on Saturday, lifting an impressive 153kg to clinch gold in the women’s up to 79kg category and further cement Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.
Her remarkable feat added to Nigeria’s growing medal haul at the historic championship after Nworgu had earlier won silver in the 50kg category, whilst Ajiboye claimed bronze in the same class.
Nworgu narrowly missed gold to Venezuela’s Clara Fuentes, who edged her out for the top spot in a fiercely contested competition.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the athletes on their outstanding performances, commending their relentless drive and patriotic spirit.
“Our athletes continue to make us proud, showing the world that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in para powerlifting. Their bright start in Cairo reflects the depth of talent, discipline, and dedication that define Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.
“The NSC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support to ensure our champions keep soaring.”
The 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships, taking place from October 9 to 18, 2025, marks the first-ever edition to be hosted on African soil, a milestone event highlighting the continent’s growing influence in adaptive sports.
The National Sports Commission had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with in global para powerlifting.
The hosting of the championships in Cairo represents a significant moment for African para sports, providing an opportunity to showcase the continent’s growing infrastructure and commitment to disability sports.
Nigeria has established itself as one of the leading nations in para powerlifting, consistently winning medals at major international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships.
The 10-day competition has attracted top para powerlifters from across the globe, all vying for world titles in their respective weight categories.
The National Sports Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Team Nigeria throughout the competition as the athletes aim for more podium finishes and continue to make the nation proud.
Nigeria’s strong start in Cairo has raised expectations that more medals will follow as the championship progresses, with several other Nigerian lifters yet to compete in their respective weight categories.
The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives.
In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association.
The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.
In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate.
SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members.
“The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.”
The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order.
SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations.
Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”
“The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.”
The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.
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