Why Eagles crashed out , Hamilton

By Jacob Ajom
Former national team handler, Paul Hamilton is still bemused by the performance of the Eagles at South Africa 2010 World Cup. A day after the team’s ouster, Hamilton, an ex-international asked whether the Nigerian team actually knew what they were expected to do in Rainbow Nation.

Speaking in a chat with Sports Vanguard at the national stadium, Lagos, the man fondly called ‘Wonder Boy’ by his admirers, said “I asked myself after the match against South Korea whether that was the best we could present.”

He said he was so disappointed that he did not know where the blame lied. He observed that the Nigerian players were not dedicated while coach Lars Lagerback had very little time to actually know  their abilities and potentials.

“It was evident in his team selection and the changes he effected during matches. The time was too short for him to do anything meaningful before the World Cup,” Hamilton said.

But the veteran coach wondered whether there was harmony in Eagles camp and among the technical crew. “I was wondering what the role of Austin Eguavoen and his other Nigerian assistants was.

They should have guided him on team selection and some of the changes he made. I really could not say if the Nigerian coaches were working in harmony with Lagerback.”