Opinion: Of Gernot Rohr’s Safety and NFF Shenanigan by Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello

Just before the Coach Scout - Gernot Rohr's exit from Nigerian Football....... 

The quote below was parts of a statement attributed to the NFF and circulated across social media some days ago. I am prompted to pen this opinion piece after waiting for the NFF for a rebuttal....it never came. 

“We told him that based on the conditions on ground, we can no longer guarantee his safety. We have given him a choice to take. Are you ready to work under such hostile environment or you want to walk away?” 

How unethical, a blatant dereliction of duty by the NFF. How unethical! ...a downright threat to human life....

Basically putting a gun to his head so to speak. Has Nigeria now gotten so bad that insecurity is what you should be using as factor to discuss a football contract? Subtle Threats? 

I am not a fan of Gernot Rohr, a stand that I have made known since his resumption, based on his poor records and dislike for home based footballers. 

In Nigeria, we have better indigenous coaches with better records and experiences. Rohr as we know is too inexperienced to coach the Super Eagles, he only got lucky, though he might have done well as coach for the Flying Eagles or Dream Team.

That said, how could the NFF say they cannot guarantee his safety? Such an unfair thoughts to process, or even say.

With this statement, they are exposing Rohr to imminent dangers. It means Rohr, 'you are on your own' whatever happens to you, deal with it!

While we impatiently await the sacking of Gernot Rohr as Super Eagles Coach, nothing must happen to Rohr. His absolute safety in Nigeria is NFF's responsibility and by all means necessary, they must ensure that he is safe while the contract lasts. No evil must befall Gernot Rohr. 

_As a matter of fact, if Rohr wants to play dirty, he could sue the NFF for that statement_

Is the atmosphere not hostile already? You guys are now throwing him to the lions, to be devoured? What if he was physically attacked by his perceived enemies or those that have been unhappy with his results as Super Eagles Coach, following your statements?

Whatever dealings you are having with the coach, he is representing our great Nation and, we must be honorable enough to ensure his safety. 

If the coach abides by the contract rules and he hasn't defaulted, the honorable thing to do is go back to the contract, pay him off, let him go, and not threaten him with insecurity. So insensitive! 

If you do not have money for now, both parties could sit at the table, make an offer, and negotiate. Hey Rohr, we only have 50% for now, we will pay at a later date. Very gentlemanly. 

This is the right time to employ someone you believe in. It is that straightforward, stop already with the play of insecurity cards. 

 

You cannot run away from your duties because there is a contract in place, Rohr has not breached it but Nigerians want him out! I want him out of the Super Eagles as well! 

I ask again, what is so special about Rohr, why does he seem so untouchable? If Rohr was an indigenous coach, would he have lasted this long? As we all know, he would have been disgraced and sacked long ago.

I will conclude by saying there is yet another crisis brewing and on the horizon for the NFF and if they want to make good plans ahead of the Nations/World Cup campaign, this is the time to fix it!!!

NFF, wake up!

_Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello is an award-winning Nigerian Journalist. Author. Gender Advocate and Sports Governance analyst. She writes from Abuja, Nigeria._

Aderonkeogunleye@gmail.com

Behold! Serbian coach tipped to replace Gernot Rohr as Super Eagles Coach

 

There seems to be clear indications as regards the future of Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr.

The Franco/German tactician looked to have handled his last game for Nigeria after the latest information from sources close to NFF disclosed that a new coach may soon be announced for Super Eagles.

On Saturday, this reporter confirmed the sack of Super Eagles chief coach Gernot Rohr. The Nigeria football federation finally reached an agreement with the Franco/German to terminate his contract which was was expected to run to December, 2022, on mutual grounds. 

The NFF also agreed with Gernot Rohr's representatives to pay all his outstanding salaries and his total severance package on installmental basis. 

Now there is a good news. The Nigeria football federation have concluded plans to employ 47 year old former Serbian National team coach Mladen Krstajić as new coach of the Super Eagles.

NFF president Amaju Mekvin Pinnick will arrive London on Monday to seal the deal. 

Krstajic led Serbia to the 2018 world cup in Russia where they failed to proceed beyond the group stage of the competition 

After Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Cape Verde that saw the Super Eagles sail through to the final round of the world cup qualifiers, NFF president Amaju Melvin Pinnick and other board members met in the room of one of the Vice presidents. 

Also at that meeting was Super Eagles chief coach Gernot Rohr and Tunde Adelakun his representative. 

The NFF did not mince words as they told Rohr that his services are no longer needed. According to an insider, both parties agreed to terminate his contract immediately while they work out modalities to pay his severance package which is reported to be around 600,000 USD. 

Rohr has since returned to his base in France while the NFF are moving ahead with getting a replacement in good time ahead of the 2021 Nations cup which is just over 40 days away.

By Adewale Ajayi

Road to Qatar 2022: Ighalo returns as Rohr invites 24 Super Eagles for Liberia, Cape Verde duels

It is no longer a rumour about the return of Odion Ighalo to Super Eagles as Coach Gernot Rohr has included the Saudi based striker among the 24 players invited for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde later in the month.

 Among the invited 23 other players include team captain Ahmed Musa, deputy captain William Ekong, defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Leon Balogun, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, forwards Moses Simon and Victor Osumhen, as well as 16 others.

The Super Eagles will tackle the Lone Star of Liberia at the Grand Stade Tangier in Morocco on Saturday, 13th November and then fly into Lagos for the final group game against Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday, 16th November.

Top of their pool with nine points but hotly chased by seven-pointer Cape Verde who host Central African Republic on the island of Mindelo, the Eagles need the three points against the Lone Star on the neutral turf of Morocco’s principal northern city to remain on firm ground when hosting the Blue Sharks three days later in Nigeria’s commercial and industrial capital.

 

Leicester City of England’s midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the last round of games home-and-away against Central African Republic, is back in the trough, just as fellow Premiership boy Alex Iwobi and Spain-based forward Samuel Chukwueze.

 

Coach Rohr has this time extended invitation 2019 Africa Cup of Nations’ top scorer Odion Jude Ighalo, who announced his retirement from the international game following that AFCON feat in Egypt.  

 

The invited players and overseas-based members of the technical crew are to report directly to the city of Tangier on Monday, 8^th November while technical officials from Nigeria are to report in Tangier the same day.

EAGLES FOR LONE STAR & BLUE SHARKS

 

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

 

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

 

Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Galsgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)

 

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Shabab Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

 

NFF member, Ahmed Fresh okays reinstatement of Salisu Yusuf as Super Eagles' coach

 

Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) Executive Member and Chairman Technical and Development Committee, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh has told OwoSports.com that Coach Salisu Yusuf reinstatement to the Super Eagles was for the interest of the game.

The Kano Pillars Coach will return to his duties as Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles and Head Coach of the Super Eagles B team, with effect from 1st November 2021 was based on the recommendation of the NFF Technical Department.

According to Fresh when interviewed at the Ogunjobi Gold Cup pre-season game between Shooting Stars and FC Ebedei in Sagamu, the Niger State Football Association chairman said.

"We discussed at the NFF Executive Committee level even before then, the Technical Department met and came out with this proposal which was forwarded to the Executive Committee.

"But before all of these were made, we had met with Gernot Rohr on the matter and the Franco-German said he needed his assistant, Salisu Yusuf.

"Salisu, Rohr said is a good man and coach as 

 his match –reading ability, calmness and proficiency is of quality, and that was why we decided for the good of the game and interest of the country."

Asked if Joseph Yobo would remain as an assistant now that Salisu Yusuf is back.

"Nothing happens to Yobo as he is still an assistant coach of the Super Eagles," Fresh stressed.

Recall the NFF banned Yusuf for one-year from all football-related activities and was also told to pay a fine of $5,000 to the Federation within three months after he was caught on video accepting a bribe. 

The ban was later reduced after the NFF sent him to be acting Technical Adviser of Rangers during their campaign in the CAF inter-club championship two seasons ago.

Yusuf’s return to the Super Eagles coincides with the closing stages of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying second round phase and the commencement of preparations for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations finals taking place in Cameroon early next year.

Rohr buoys Musa’s spirit

Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has visited flying winger Ahmed Musa at his club, CSKA Moscow, telling him to keep working hard ahead of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

Rohr signs contract extension with Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation on Wednesday signed a two –year contract extension with Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr.

NFF reveals World Cup program

To several applauses and commendation for good planning and focus, the Nigeria Football Federation on Wednesday in Lagos made public its 2018 FIFA World Cup program for the Super Eagles, revealing venues and dates for six pre-World Cup friendly matches, kit launch, camping programmes and venues, the team base camp, sponsors’ event and how the team will travel during the World Cup finals proper.

Onigbinde Cautions Rohr ahead of Russia 2018 World Cup

Former Super Eagles coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, has said that the players must be well equipped for Nigeria to scale through to the second round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Pinnick: Why we offered Rohr fresh two –year contract

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has explained that the resolve of the Federation’s leadership to ensure there are no distractions of any size or complexion around Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup preparation and participation informed the offer of a fresh, two –year contract to Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr. 

Rohr hails his ‘soldiers’ after ‘difficult game’

Super Eagles’ Franco-German Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr on Saturday praised his wards for fighting a great battle to overcome Zambia’s Chipolopolo and qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

Rohr names Mikel Obi, 22 others for battles with Cameroon

 Team captain Mikel John Obi and forward Odion Ighalo are back, and Israel –based marksman Anthony Nwakaeme gets a first call as Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, on Tuesday released his list of players for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying duels with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions.

NFF: We had nothing to do with livestreaming hiccup

.... Nigeria, Senegal match organizers upload match for viewing 

The Nigeria Football Federation has dissociated itself from the failure of a plan to have Thursday’s international friendly between the Super Eagles and Teranga Lions of Senegal in London streamed live to interested Nigerians.

Rohr happy with Eagles’ strong mental attitude

Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has praised his young charges for never giving up and eventually ending on a high against Africa’s second ranked team, Senegal in a friendly in London on Thursday.

NFF Confirms Gernot Rohr as Super Eagles Gaffer

The Nigeria Football Federation and Mr. Gernot Rohr have signed a two –year contract that will see the former Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso coach work as Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles.

The simple ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja saw NFF President Amaju Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi signing on behalf of the Nigeria federation, in-between Mr. Rohr’s own signature.

Pinnick told thenff.com that the agreement is for two years, with the former German defender, who also coached top French club Girondins Bordeaux and elite Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel, handed a target of qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

“We are happy that this has been sealed and we can now focus on other arrangements for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in October,” said Pinnick.

Rohr, clad in a simple shirt and jean trouser and wearing a smile, said: “I am enthusiastic to get to work. This is a big challenge because Nigeria has big players everywhere and has the ability to do well internationally.

“I have a German heart – the heart of a winner. I have confidence that with the right atmosphere and the right support, the Super Eagles have the capacity not only to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, but get to the latter stages of the competition.”

Rohr, 63, will step out with the Super Eagles for the first time when Nigeria host Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Port Harcourt in a few weeks. Although the match is a dead rubber as both teams are out of the running for the tournament, it serves as a test game for the Eagles ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier away to Zambia on 3rd October. Nigeria will also play Cameroon and Algeria in the qualifying race.

Officials confirmed to thenff.com that Coach Rohr is scheduled to embark on VIP scouting immediately, which includes flying to Spain to watch the NPFL All-Stars play against Atletico Madrid and Malaga in Cadiz on Friday, in the Trofoe Carranza tournament.

The NFF

NFF Technical Committee Recommends Rohr for Eagles’ job

The Technical and Development Committee of Nigeria Football Federation has recommended to the Executive Board the candidature of Mr. Gernot Rohr for appointment as Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles.