Nigeria’s manager Gernot Rohr may have had his shortcomings on the national team’s coaching hot seat, but not all have been bad throughout his time with the Super Eagles.
Many football-loving Nigerians may have criticized the France-German Coach, but he still has the chance to remain Nigeria’s Coach in the coming days.
The Eagles gaffer may have earned a good reputation with the Nigerian authorities at a point following his outstanding showings in the World Cup qualifiers. Still, other things may have earned him the heart of Super Eagles fans.
With the French-German boss expecting to get a new contract from the Nigeria football federation (NFF), we evaluate the three unique things that Gernot Rohr must have done for the benefit of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
FOREIGN BORN ACQUISITION
The Nigeria gaffer may have the upper hand than most Nigerian (local) Coaches in the quest to lure foreign-born talent to feature for the Super Eagles.
He’s helped Nigeria secure the services of the new Nigeria’s No. 10 in Joe Aribo, Cyriel Dessers and many more, while he’s also in the hunt to get the likes of Sheyi Ojo and Ademola Lookman.
CREDIBLE LIST FOR NATIONAL ASSIGNMENT
Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo may have retired from the National Team, but Nigerians are not necessarily sick or worried about his international resolve.
This is due to the credibility of Gernot Rohr Super Eagles squad selection as we’ve noted. He’s been monitoring Nigerian players to perfection while having a wide range of information about Nigerian players abroad on a scouting basis.
The way the likes of Samuel Chukwueze and Joe Aribo got their maiden call-ups to the Eagles team was commendable, just also as Semi Ajayi was given a chance to make his international debut for Nigeria against Seychelles.
ROHR’S MANAGERIAL PROWESS
The Nigerian manager has been exceptional in his dealing with Nigerian players knowing fully well that these players are adult irrespective of how young they are regarding his age as their boss.
This has seen him handle the international exit of Victor Moses and Odion Ighalo to a great effect while keeping things peaceful following Mikel Obi’s one-year absence from the Super Eagles.
Rohr has established a good relationship among the players, and this has ensured that there is maximum uniformity in the dressing room of the Super Eagles.
It has also seen him travel abroad to visit Nigerian players like Alex Iwobi, Samuel Kalu and Josh Maja. He even encouraged the latter to improve on his performance on the pitch.
He is more of like a father figure to the players, and that has given them the chance to thrive in the green and white shirt for Nigeria.