By Augustine Akhilomen
Ex international, Garba lawal has advised the Nigeria Football Federation not to use the result of the forthcoming international friendly match against Burkina Faso and Senegal to judge the Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr.
The German tactician has enjoyed a perfect start to his managerial career with the senior national team, having won three out of three matches since he took the job.
Nigeria will be facing Burkina Faso and Senegal in London as part of preparation for the team’s crucial clash against South Africa in an AFCON qualifier before hosting the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo on August 28.
Lawal who has represented the Super Eagles at four editions of African Cup of Nations: 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006, told Soccernet.com.ng that regardless of the results against their West African neighbours, Rohr shouldn’t be judged by it.
“We must commend the Nigeria Football Federation for organizing these two grade ‘A’ international friendly matches for the senior national team,” Lawal told Soccernet.com.ng.
“Confronting teams like Burkina Faso and Senegal will definitely help to test the strength of the Super Eagles, however, the results shouldn’t be used as yardstick to judge Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr. As u know, In Nigeria all matches are important whether it’s competitive or friendly.
“As for me, I believe Rohr has done a very good job with the Super Eagles considering the fact that he has transformed our ratings in the FIFA rankings and made the team play as a team. Besides, the infusion of experience and youths such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi has really made the team strong,” he concluded.