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‘Nigeria is forever in my heart’ – Thomas Dennerby leaves door open for Nigeria return
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
India women’s head coach, Thomas Dennerby has left the door open to a possible return to the Nigeria senior women’s national team role in the nearest future.
Dennerby enjoyed a trophy-laden 18-month spell on the touchline with the West African nation, following his arrival on a two-half year deal in January 2018 before eventually walking away for personal reasons in October 2019.
The nine-time African champions are enduring a forgettable two-year spell under Randy Waldrum following a medalless campaign at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they lost a record three match.
To worse matters, the Super Falcons are on a seven-match losing streak – a situation that has evoked heavy criticisms and increased calls for the American’s sacking ahead of the Women’s World Cup this summer.
When asked about his interest for possible return in the future, the Swede has now admitted that he remains a huge fan of the country, while insisting he can only offer his best wishes with Randy Waldrum still in charge.
“They have a coach (Randy Waldrum) that the board seems to believe in and support. This is only a question If Super Falcons don’t have a coach,” Dennerby told Nigeriafootball.ng.
“I very much want them to have a successful Women’s World Cup. Nigeria is forever in my heart. I wish Mr Randy Waldrum and the Super Falcons best of luck.”
The former Sweden manager guided Nigeria to Women’s Africa Cup of Nations success at Ghana 2018 few months after claiming bronze at the inaugural WAFU B Women’s Cup in Cote d’Ivoire.
After scooping the NFF Coach of the Year 2018, Dennerby led the Super Falcons to a third place finish at the China Invitational tournament in January 2019, before winning the WAFU B championship in May.
To cap it all, he led the country to the Round of 16 at Women’s World Cup, France 2019, breaking a knockout stage jinx of 20 years.
Under his watch, at least seven home-based and seven under 22 players made the final squad to the global finals, featuring at least four youngsters from the 2018 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in France.
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