Robson prepares for Nigeria job

Robson will begin Nations Cup preparations

Bryan Robson is expected to begin work as Nigeria manager in the first week of November.

FA secretary-general Taiwo Ogunjobi said the former England captain, who is yet to sign a contract with the Nigerians, will be given whatever he requires to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2004 Nations Cup finals in Tunisia.

"We have done everything necessary for him to do his job effectively...Robson will arrive early November and he will go straight to work," Ogunjobi told reporters in Abuja.

Earlier this month, the Nigerian FA named Robson, 46, as its national coach for an initial six-month period and will reportedly receive a $50,000 monthly wage.

Official details of Robson's contract were not given but Ogunjobi insisted that they are capable of paying the former England captain's salary, contrary to Nigerian media reports.

"There is no dispute about getting the money to pay Robson because that is something we have concluded."

Ogunjobi played down suggestions in the local media that the FA and sports ministry officials were in dispute over Robson's appointment.

"There is a mutual understanding of our roles and functions, so there is no dispute in appointing the coach," said Ogunjobi.

Robson, who had a distinguished playing career with Manchester United, has been out of coaching since 2001 when he left English premier league club Middlesbrough by mutual consent.

Nigeria, winners of the Nations Cup in 1980 and 1994, are drawn against debutants Benin Republic and previous tournament winners South Africa and Morocco in the first round of matches at the 2004 finals.