Rohr blasts British government over “double standards”

Nigeria face Liberia and Cape Verde in September as the race for World Cup qualification begins, but Rohr will be without some key team members in the second game due to the UK’s Covid-19 restrictions. 

Nigeria Coach Gernot Rohr has blasted the British government over their Covid-19 regulations that have made it impossible for some key members of his team to play the crucial qualifier against Cape Verde.

In an interview with the Daily Record, the Franco-German tactician accused the British government of double standards, citing how England tweaked their regulations to ensure a smooth Euros, but they aren’t ready to do so for other countries during the World Cup qualifiers.

“They were able to change everything at the Euros when England hosted it, but they can’t do anything here for the World Cup players,” Rohr said.

“It’s extremely important for every country, and decisions like this tarnish the competition.”

“We are preparing the team as best as possible, but we will not have some of our best players.

“All our midfielders will not be there. Our central defence also will not be there. So it will not be easy against a very difficult team like Cape Verde.”

Rohr will have the full complement of his squad in the first game against Liberia. However, because Cape Verde is among the red-listed countries, players that play in the British leagues will have to make an early trip back to their clubs as they won’t be able to participate.

Notable among these players are Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Leon Balogun, Kelechi Iheanacho and Joe Aribo.

However, Rohr is expected to make plans with the remaining part of his squad as he would still have the likes of Onuachu, Onyekuru,  and Osimhen.