Gernot Rohr’s current contract expires in less than three months, but from all indications, it looks like these are his final moments in the National team dugout.
The German tactician has been in a contract war with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), and from Pinnick’s latest comments, his time as Super Eagles manager may be over.
Speaking in a recent interview, Pinnick revealed the NFF are ready to offer Rohr a new deal provided he agrees to their conditions.
“We have told him he must live in Nigeria,” Pinnick said. His salary will be in Naira. He must go around the leagues and see how he can nurture the players. If he is able to accept it, we have a deal. There are a lot of coaches that want to coach Nigeria.
However, it is hard to see Rohr agreeing to these conditions, and Pinnick’s last statement suggests the former Bordeaux manager’s time is done as Super Eagles manager.
Also Read: Rohr Deserves Respect Not Criticism From Jealous Ex-Internationals
It is clear the NFF wants to ditch Rohr, but they need that decision from him, hence the conditions in the new offer.
With Rohr likely to reject the new offer, Soccernet takes a look at some of the options that could replace the 66-year-old.
Sunday Oliseh: The former Super Eagles captain was Gernot Rohr’s predecessor before he resigned just eight months into his job.
Oliseh has always been a difficult man from his playing days, and he carried that into management. He was like the black sheep and did not acknowledge anyone.
It was what led to his resignation as Super Eagles manager as he had a fallout with Enyeama, while he also clashed with NFF officials.
While it is hard to see him return, Oliseh’s coaching qualifications are too hard to ignore. He is one of the very few Africans to have managed a club in Europe.
Provided he can convince the NFF he has learnt his lessons, then maybe he could earn a second chance.
Joseph Yobo: Another former Super Eagles captain who is also presently Rohr’s assistant. Yobo was appointed as Super Eagles manager in February following the dismissal of Imama Amapakabo.
There were rumours that the former Everton man was appointed so he can learn before taking over from Rohr after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, he could be set for a quick upgrade should Rohr decide to leave his role. But in fairness, it is hard to see Yobo getting the job given he has no qualifications or previous experience.
Nevertheless, with the NFF and their folly, it’s hard to rule anything out.
Salisu Yusuf: The 58-year-old was under the guidance of Rohr before he was banned from football activities for a year after receiving a bribe to influence his team’s selection for the 2017 WAFU Cup.
Read: Anas Aremeyaw Exclusive: Salisu Yusuf Got Caught in The Corruption of African Football
However, the NFF confirmed his return last year and was even brought in to salvage Rangers failing Confederations Cup hopes.
His appointment by NFF as Rangers manager shows the country’s football governing body rates Salisu highly. And that could see him get the job of Super Eagles head coach- a position he held before he was banned.
Also, he is in a good position for the job given he was Rohr’s right-hand man and knows a majority of the Super Eagles players.
Emmanuel Amuneke: He is popular and probably the favourite for the job. Amuneke showed his qualities when he led Tanzania to their first AFCON in 39 years.
Although the Taifa Stars went out in the group stage, which led to his sack, It does not take away what the feat Amunike achieved.
The former Barcelona winger has had success with Nigerian teams in the past as he was in charge of the Golden Eaglets squad that won the U-17 world cup in 2015.
Recently, he was appointed as manager of Egyptian side, El-Makkasa, in February although he was relieved of his duties a month later.
Nevertheless, he will definitely be among the candidates should the NFF decide to replace Rohr.
Foreign Manager: The last option could see the NFF bring in another foreign manager, but it highly unlikely as it’s hard to see a foreign tactician that will accede to NFF’s demands.
It’s also hard to see a top manager picking up the job of a national team right now. Herve Renard could have been an option, but he is currently the manager of Saudi Arabia.
But should the NFF decide to appoint a non-indigenous coach, then it would probably be an average manager.
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