Rohr Could Stay On As Super Eagles Manager Even If He Fails To Win Next AFCON-Pinnick

The German’s new two-year deal as Nigeria’s coach was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president and it contains two crucial objectives

NFF’s president Amaju Pinnick has clarified the two targets set for Gernot Rohr following the extension of his contract as Super Eagles coach.

Rohr who has been in charge of the Nigerian national team since 2016 signed a new two-year deal that will keep him in the job till December 2022.

However, the extension of his contract comes with two objectives which include winning the next Africa Cup of Nations and leading the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The former Bordeaux has led Nigeria to two major tournaments with a game to spare in qualification, but the Super Eagles came back without the ultimate prize in the two competitions.

Nigeria crashed out in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup, while they could only manage a bronze medal at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

But with his young team getting tournament experience in the two competitions, the 66-year-old has been charged with the task of leading the country to her fourth continental title.

It’s believed that failure to win the nations cup could spell the end for Rohr and he may not be given a chance to stay until the end of his contract.

However, in a media chat with journalists, Pinnick says failure to achieve these targets does not necessarily mean Rohr will get the boot. He revealed the performance of the team would be judged before the NFF takes any decision.

“If he did very well, then there’s no reason to sack him, and we can only pray for better luck next time,” Pinnick told journalists.

“It’s at the discretion of the NFF. If we see improvement, even if he doesn’t win the Nations Cup, we will decide how we move on from there,” he added.

The Federation’s president also revealed Rohr will be paid in naira although it not yet known if Aiteo who are responsible for paying NFF coaches will continue in that role.