Gernot Rohr is Nigeria's longest-serving coach, having been in the position since 2016. But the German tactician's time as the Super Eagles coach is about to come to an end.
On Thursday, there were rumours that the 68-year-old German had been sacked as the Super Eagles coach two days after the team reached the CAF 2022 World Cup qualifier playoff round.
Although the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) denied the rumours in a statement, the organisation confirmed that they are reviewing Rohr's position.
But, while it is unlikely the German leaves now, Soccernet takes a look at some of the potential candidates that could replace him if the NFF decide to sack him.
Salisu Yusuf
Salisu is back as the team's assistant coach of the team after he was reappointed following his ban for receiving bribes to influence his team selection.
He is someone Rohr and NFF president Amaju Pinnick rate highly, which makes him the number one favourite. And with the Africa Cup of Nations just over a month away, it is only logical they appoint someone familiar with the team.
Austin Eguavoen
The former Super Eagles star is another potential candidate that could replace Rohr. He has been in this position before and he is also a member of NFF's technical committee.
And according to reports, Eguavoen could be appointed alongside Salisu to take charge of the team at next year's AFCON in Cameroon.
Emmanuel Amunike
This is another name in contention to potentially replace Rohr. In fairness, he is the best option available as he has a proven track record.
Amunike is another former Super Eagles star and has done well for himself following his transition into management.
The former Barcelona star led the Golden Eaglets to the U17 World Cup title in 2015. One important thing to note from that win is that Super Eagles current number leading man Victor Osimhen got his breakthrough in the tournament under the watchful eyes of Amunike.
Amunike also has the experience of leading a team to the Africa Cup of Nations, having led Tanzania to the 2019 edition.
Sunday Oliseh
Highly unlikely, but never say never. Sunday Oliseh is another ex-Nigerian international that has previously managed the Super Eagles.
In fact, he was Rohr's predecessor, but he was sacked after clashing with NFF officials and some of the key players in the squad.
Oliseh's tactical brain is probably the best of the lot, but his man-management skills and his relationship with the NFF could deny him a second chance.
Other candidates
The likes of Herve Renard and Pitso Mosimane will also find the job attractive, but huge wages mean they are likely not to be considered.
The NFF still owe Rohr a backlog of salaries and will want to appoint someone whose wages will not be a problem should they decide to part ways with the German.
To me Mr. Rohr position as super eagle head coach has been overdue, for God sake it’s obvious that this man don’t have the man power to lead this team.
Our super eagle has no pettern of play, no tactical approach when he is been called upon.
I must state this categorically that neither Mr Salisu or Sunday Olise has the man power to lead this crop of talent to their promise Land, reason being that Mr. Salisu still have questionable character, there have been series of aligation concerning him.
Olise is a good coach but I’m pretty sure that there will be conflict between him and the players…
To me the best option available now is Emmanuel Amunike
Amunike our best option seriously.
With good pay, and freedom to select his players, he will do fine.
Supported !!
The problem with Rohr is he is a kind man. He does not know how to use and motivate his players. He is not a TACTICIAN. Just like Bofere Jo said he doesn’t know how to use what he has at hand and he has good players. And I don’t believe his coaching crew are helping matters.
However, If they decide to get an indigenous coach. I will recommend Emmanuel Amunuke. He is the brightest among all for now. And will work well with these players and have their respect
I support Emmanuel Amuneke for the super eagle coach job.
Everyone’s got an idea how to coach, but not everyone is a coach. Roth is our coach right now and we need to support him instead of dangling the guillotine over his head on a daily basis. Remember the times we missed out on w/ cups and nations cup? How soon we forget.
They are finding it difficult to sack Rohr but easy sacking Olise, Siasia, and Eguavon.
With the multitude of good quality players why does Rohr not have a playing pattern, no technical or tactical input.
During the 2002 World Cup qualifying, after one of our bad games as it was the common thing then, Nigeria sacked coach Bonfire Jo, Amadu and Keshi took over a hopes situation and won the remaining games including beating Sudan 5-0 in Katoum . If Bonfire was not sacked we would not have qualified for 2002 World Cup.
If we do not sack Rohr, Nigeria will not qualify for the World Cup
Emmanuel Amuneke is the answer. Eguavon is extremely good also. Oliese was a disaster before and he will be worst next time. He was thrashing Keshi so he could come in. When he was eventually given the opportunity, Oliese abandoned his post and ran to the hill. He is not a good person with the way he thrashed Keshi and everybody who stood on his path. Keshi put a cause on him before he died.
Rohr said cape Verde is technically Better than super eagle and NFF president said we should avoid some country in Africa to qualify for world cup. A team many countries avoid before is now avoid teams, this is where the present board of NFF has brought Nigeria football.
Nobody should mention Oliseh when talking about Super Eagles. The guy has nothing to offer. If we are to consider any indigenous Coach, let’s consider Amuneke with Amokachi as his assistant.
James lorkusah spoke my mind. Amuneke as the head coach, while Amokache as the able assistant. Period!
My mind too. You can add Sylvanus Okpala who together with Dan Amokachi assisted late Stephen Keshi and Carl ikeme or Ike Shoromu or Enyeama as goalkeeper trainer.
What of Samson Saisia