Vogts’ disengagement, good for Nigeria - Idah

18.03.2008

MEDIA co-ordinator of the Super Eagles to the 26th Africa Nations Cup, Ghana 2008, Peterside Idah has described the disengagement of Berti Vogts from Nigeria’s job as a good riddance to bad rubbish.

Idah told SuperSports that Vogts was the biggest problem of the Nigerian team at the tournament blaming the German for the Eagles poorest result at the Nations Cup in 26 years.

“It is not that we do not have the players” Idah explained. “The biggest problem was Vogts. He did not know how to do it and the players were telling me ‘bros, this man will kill us. He is saying he would change us if we play Nigerian style instead of the German style’. It is unbelievable the way he wrecked the team.”

The former Rangers International goalkeeper added that the players ultimately lost confidence in the coach after the first round of matches where they only managed a 2-0 win over Benin Republic.

He added that the Eagles’ attacking flair was killed by Vogts who insisted that the full backs must not join the attack. “Vogts warned the full backs against overlapping and that is why supplies were scarce for the strikers”.

Apart from Vogts, Idah suggested that the structure which produce national team players be addressed to avoid further slump.

“We need to address the issue of the structure of Nigerian football and refine it in such a way that can produce quality players for the national team.”