Still plays down Eriksson-for-Nigeria talk

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s agent has dismissed reports linking the former England coach with the managerial position at the Nigerian national team as “absolute nonsense”.

Speculation regarding the Swede’s immediate future was sparked when Tord Grip, Eriksson’s assistant during his time with England, told Swedish Radio that the 58-year-old had met Nigerian officials in Stockholm.

But Athole Still, while admitting that Eriksson did meet an official, has scoffed at the latest round of rumours linking the former Benfica, Lazio and Sampdoria coach with a return to management.

Still said: “It’s absolutely nonsense. Today he is linked with Nigeria, tomorrow it will be someone else. There has been no truth in any of it.

“It was a totally chance meeting. They happened to be in the same place at the same time and had a chat. Sven told me he had bumped into him and they chatted. But there were no ‘talks’ or ‘discussions’ whatsoever about him taking over.”

Still, who has already dismissed reports linking Eriksson with Barclays Premiership Newcastle this week, believes the constant speculation is just an easy way to fill newspapers.

Still added: “What I don’t understand is why these reports are coming out now. Sven told me that he bumped into this man three weeks ago, so why are the reports coming out today? It’s just something to fill papers.”