Death threats force Namibia coach to resign

Nigeria’s Super Eagles chances of progressing to the final round of Africa’s qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup taking place in Brazil has gotten a massive boost following reports that coach of the Namibian national football team, Roger Palmgren has resigned from his post following death threats.


The Swede’s resignation came days before the Brave Warriors get to play the Super Eagles in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.

According to reports in the southern African country, Namibia Football Association president John Muinjo confirmed on Sunday evening that the reason for Palmgren’s sudden departure was because of serious threats directed towards him and his family.

Palmgren, who was born in Sweden 50 years ago, has been coach of the Brave Warriors since May 1 and guided the team in two matches; a friendly against Zambia on May 25 and last Wednesday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Malawi. Both matches ended goalless.

He had previously coached South African club sides AmaZulu and Thanda Royal Zulu, and was coach of the Sierra Leonean national side, back in 1996, as well as handler of the Rwandan national team, from August 2004 to November 2005.

After his stint with Rwanda, Palmgren coached Nigerian club side Kwara United in the 2006/07 season and was hoping to use his experience while in Nigeria would help his side in Wednesday’s encounter which the Super Eagles need to win to ease their World Cup quest.

Nigeria currently tops the Group F standings ahead of Rwanda who play host to Kenya, also on Wednesday.

Rwanda can still topple the Super Eagles from top spot but are aware that their dream of progressing in the qualifiers would be over if they fail to match whatever result the Nigerians churn out against the Brave Warriors in Windhoek.