The German’s contract has been extended till 2022, but he has been charged to win the Africa Cup of Nations title and lead the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Gernot Rohr says he understands the risks involved in the new contract, but it’s nothing new as he has been in the same position since he was named Nigeria’s manager in 2016.
Rohr’s contract extension was announced earlier this week by the president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick.
But while he’s set to continue in his role, the former Bordeaux manager was tasked with the mission of leading Nigeria to her fourth continental title.
Failure to lift the next AFCON could lead to the termination of Rohr’s contract, but the 66-year-old insists it’s a challenge he’s relishing.
“When you go to a tournament it is to win it,” Rohr told BBC. My contract all the time is a risk because it is finished when we are eliminated from a competition – whether the AFCON or World Cup,” he explained.
“I took the risk already when I arrived, and it is still the same. But I am very optimistic because now we have a team which is playing good football and I have confidence in my players.”
The Super Eagles finished third at the 2019 AFCON under Rohr’s guidance and will be expected to go for gold in Cameroon.
However, Rohr urged caution saying it’ll be difficult for Nigeria to win the competition because they are not number one in Africa.
“We finished third in the last one, and everybody wants to progress. But we know also that it is very difficult to win this tournament because we are not number one in Africa.
“But it is good to have these milestones and ambition,” Rohr added.
