Lagerback warns Nigerians

By Tony Ubani
APPARENTLY aware of the expected  huge presence of Nigerians in South Africa for the World Cup, Eagles coach Lars Lagerback has warned Nigeria Football Association to(NFA) officials that the Eagles hotel would be a-no-go area for unauthorised persons.

Lagerback

Sports Vanguard scooped that the Swede told the leaders of the NFA that he would not tolerate distractions from either members of the FA or other dignitaries that would want to flock to the hotel. “Lagerback said that he learnt that part of the problems  former German coach Berti Vogts had was that of incessant meetings and impromptu visits by Government officials to the hotel of the team.

He told them  that he had zero tolerance for distraction and expect that they should respect it. He also held meetings with the players and informed them to tell their friends and family to allow them concentrate on the World Cup”, our source said.

Confirming Lagerback’s hardline, Eagles’ Media Officer Peterside Idah said that the Swede wants total concentration and had worked out days to brief the Press. “He truly wants to achieve results and he believes that visitors will put a knife to his plans. He also respects Journalists and knows that there will be interactions with the Press.

But he will not tolerate where Journalists flock the hotel for interviews thereby distracting the players.  There are going to be specific days for interactions and Press conferences. I will be there to make the work of the Journalists easier”, Peterside a former national goalkeeper of the Eagles said.

“The man is focused on the World Cup and from what I have seen, I believe that Nigeria will post shocking results in the World Cup”, Peterside predicted.