Former Sweden coach Janne Andersson has opened up about his decision to turn down an offer to coach Nigeria’s Super Eagles, despite persistent efforts from the Nigeria Football Federation to bring him on board, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 62-year-old, who has been without a coaching job since stepping down as head coach of Sweden’s men’s national team nearly a year ago, was in serious talks with both Nigeria and Latvia but ultimately rejected both offers.
Nigeria had contacted Andersson after Finidi George resigned as head coach following a brief spell in charge.
However, nothing came out of the talks with Andersson and the veteran gaffer has provided more details about the situation.
Speaking to Swedish newspaper Hallandsposten as per Fotbollskanalen, Andersson confirmed that several teams had expressed interest in his services.
He shared, “I have received several inquiries during the year. Some I have said no to, while others I listened to, but they didn’t lead anywhere.
“Then I received two concrete offers from Latvia and Nigeria, which I chose to turn down.”
Addressing the specifics of Nigeria’s offer, the former Halmstad and IFK Norrköping coach explained his reasoning.
“Nigeria was very persistent and wanted me to take the national team job. There was a lot that was appealing, but the overall situation wasn’t great. It didn’t feel 100 percent right, and it has to, for me to fully commit,” Andersson stated.
Despite turning down the job, Andersson remains open to future opportunities but stresses he is cautious about his next move.
“It would take quite a lot for me to take a new coaching job. I’m quite picky and have some other things going on,” he revealed, hinting at non-coaching roles such as mentorships and board positions.
Andersson’s decision leaves Nigeria’s national team still in search of a new head coach.
However, former international Augustine Eguavoen has handled the Super Eagles in a caretaker role and impressed with a win over Benin Republic and a goalless draw with Rwanda last month.
Eguavoen will again lead the team in their doubleheader against Libya this week.
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