Kaita Gets Lagerback’s Praise

Sani Kaita earned glowing praise from Nigeria boss Lars Lagerback after excelling in an unusual right wing position in the Super Eagles 1-1 draw against Colombia on Sunday night.

Kaita was deployed on the right wing and was largely instrumental in maintaining team shape and balance despite being a natural defensive midfielder.

It was a display that left Lagerback impressed.

“He was my man of the match,” the Swede said. “He was absolutely outstanding and I think he was miles ahead of everybody.”

Lars, was however, less pleased with the manner of the Super Eagles giving up a 12th minute goal to Carlos Valdes.

“It is a calamity when a player loses a one on one. I was not happy with the goal, but we have to work harder on that.”

Overall though, the Swede was happy to see improvements.

“This is a big improvement from the last game. I have only trained this team for seven times, and they have shown good quality.

“I think they will improve more, and the team will do better when they play more.”

Lagerback named his final 23-man squad on Monday.