…As Confusion Reigns Over Coach’s Future

A top Nigeria Football Federation official says Lars Lagerback, who led the country to the 2010 World Cup, will not continue as Super Eagles coach.

Dominic Iorfa, who heads the technical department which is in charge of hiring coaches, was speaking on a local radio station in Lagos.

Last week another official told the Tidesports source that reports that Swede Lagerback would not return, were ‘baseless’.

But Iorfa  has said that there was no indication Lagerback is coming back.

“The coach said he is not coming back, so it is very likely that Siasia will take over the job,” Iorfa said on Thursday, referring to ex-Nigerian international Samson Siasia who is now favourite to get the job.

Lagerback’s reign has been blighted by criticism in the local media over his salary, team selection, and tactics.

Nigeria failed to go past the group stage at the World Cup finals in South Africa prompting calls for a change in the playing and coaching staff by angry fans.

Siasia, who is in charge of local side Heartland FC, is highly favoured to land the job of turning round the fortunes of the faltering Eagles.

“The best of Nigerian football is what we aim to achieve as demanded by the fans, media and major stakeholders,” Iorfa added.

“There is just too little time left between now and the start of the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“We’ll soon start discussion with Siasia.”

Meanwhile, Emeka Enechi, who is Lagerback’s Nigerian agent says the coach is not keen on a return to the job.

Enechi said he had spoken to Lagerback, who explained that it will be extremely difficult for him to work in the present environment at the NFF.