Selection will be key to Rohr’s success in Russia – Adepoju

Ex-international, Mutiu Adepoju has advised the technical adviser of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr to focus on selecting the best players that will represent Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The German tactician who has been saddled with the responsibilities of taking the team beyond the round of 16 stages at the World Cup in Russia, has maintained near perfect results for the Super Eagles since he was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Having been pitted alongside the teams such as perennial rivals, Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in group D, the former Super Eagles midfielder, who was popularly known as the headmaster during his playing told Soccernet.com.ng that Rohr could surpass the record of his predecessors if only he select the right players with the right mentality and fighting spirit to the World Cup.

“I am not really worried that the team will be playing teams likes Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in group D of the FIFA World Cup in Russia considering the fact that the present crop of players in the Super Eagles are hungry and ready to make Nigeria proud at the Mundial,” Adepoju told Soccernet.com.ng.

“However, my only fear lies in the selection procession. which often times have been a problem for most coaches that have managed the team. Except for U.S 94′ where Clemence Westerhof picked a very strong team that caught the attention of the world with their power, skills and determination to beat their opponents. Mind you, I was also part of the team that narrowly lost to Italy in the round of 16 of the World Cup, the first appearance for Nigeria.

“The truth is we have array of players around the globe that are good enough for the Super Eagles, but then, Rohr must concentrate on players who have the magic of turning things around for the team at the World Cup while also not allowing certain forces in the Nigeria Football Federation to interfere in his selection of players.