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Page last updated at 17:33 GMT, Tuesday, 20 July 2010 18:33 UK

The Nigeria FA set for decision on coach Lars Lagerback

By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos

Nigeria coach Lars Lagerbacj
Lagerback was in charge of Nigeria at the World Cup in South Africa

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has held off making a decision on the future of coach Lars Lagerback following the team's humiliating first-round exit at the 2010 World Cup.

Although Nigeria failed to win any match in South Africa at the 2010 World Cup under Lagerback, the NFF still offered the Swede a new four-year contract.

And the 62-year-old refused to commit himself to the new extension saying he needed to consult with his family in Sweden.

Amid widespread speculation that Lagerback would not be retained following a change of leadership in the football house, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire said a decision about the coach's future should "not be made in haste".

Olajire said they had given Lagerback time "to make his own decision regarding his future".

Following a public and media outcry over the delay in choosing a manager, a final board meeting will convene next week in the capital Abuja to discuss their options.

"We understand the yearning of the public concerning the Super Eagles and a decision will be reached next week," Olajire told BBC Sport.

"Lagerback's contract will expire at the end of this month [July] but we have Nations Cup qualifier in Septembers which necessitates serious planning.

"We have not heard from him about the future but we have to move swiftly to the next phase."

Despite retaining assistant coach Austin Eguavoen for the international friendly against South Korea on August 11, there are strong indications that former international Samson Siasia will be the new man in charge of the Super Eagles.

With the new Heartland FC coach refusing to comment on his link to the Nigeria post, NFF's Olajire admits that a very crucial decision will be taken at the meeting.

"A lot has happened between the World Cup and now but the country fans and media will have something good to talk about pretty soon," Olajire said.

But he admitted: "As much as we work hard for the progress of the country, we will hopefully do everything, in the interest of the country as everyone feel humiliated with the World Cup performance.



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see also
Nigeria set to rebuild Eagles
14 Jul 10 |  African
Nigeria striker critical of coach
23 Jun 10 |  World Cup 2010
Lagerback rues Nigeria finishing
22 Jun 10 |  World Cup 2010
Nigeria coach proud despite loss
17 Jun 10 |  World Cup 2010
Poor marking frustrates Lagerback
12 Jun 10 |  World Cup 2010
Lagerback expects more from Nigeria
29 May 10 |  African
Lagerback targets World Cup semis
04 Mar 10 |  African


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