Nigeria talks: Hoddle
Glenn Hoddle is poised to become the new manager of
Nigeria. The former England boss flew to Africa last night to meet
with the Nigerian Football Federation.
Hoddle, 52, has been concentrating on his Academy in Jerez,
Spain, since leaving Wolves in July 2006. The Academy aims to get
young players who have been released by clubs back into the
game.
But it is thought that the chance to take Nigeria to the World
Cup in South Africa would appeal to Hoddle, who could take the job
on a short-term basis and then return to Spain to concentrate on
his business venture.
Nigeria need a new head coach after sacking Shaibu Amodu after
their relatively disappointing showing during the Africa Cup of
Nations last month.
The two-time winners were beaten in the semi-finals by Ghana,
but were awarded third place after a play-off against Algeria.
The Super Eagles face Argentina, Greece and South Korea in the
group stage of the World Cup in South Africa. Hoddle, a former
Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton manager, took England to the
second round of the 1998 World Cup before losing to Argentina.
He was sacked by the FA in February 1999 for his controversial
spiritual views.
Sven Goran Eriksson, another former England manager, was also on
the shortlist for the Nigeria job.
Eriksson has also managed at international level with Mexico and
is a free agent after recently parting company with League Two side
Notts County.
The Swede was due to meet with Nigerian officials later this
week.