By Augustine Akhilomen
Ex international, Friday Ekpo has hailed the impact Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr has made on the team since taking over the helm of affairs in August.
The German tactician, has won all three of his competitive matches with the senior national team; beating Tanzania 1-0 in a dead-rubber 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier before sweeping aside Zambia (2-1) and Algeria (3-1) in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier, to remain top of group B.
Prior to his appointment, there have complains of his capability to take the Super Eagles back to the pinnacle of Africa football after the team failed to qualify for the 2017 Nations Cup. Besides, his low CV profile, there were concerns over his tactical and technical know-how considering the fact that he only managed to take Gabon to the quarter final of the 2012 AFCON, while he was sacked in Niger and Burkina Faso.
However, Ekpo revealed to Soccernet.com.ng that the appointment of Rohr has come as a blessing in disguise for Nigeria based on his progress with the team in the World Cup qualifying series.
“I may not be a fan of Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr, however, I do believe that his appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation has really helped the nation’s football,” Ekpo told Soccernet.com.ng
“It may be too early to blow his trumpet considering the fact that, there is still a long way to go as far as the job of the Super Eagles is concerned. Bigger challenges will come in 2017 but I am pleased with the way he has infused a winning mentality into the team. If he remains calm and focus, I don’t see anything stopping him from qualifying Nigeria for the World Cup,” he said.