Super Eagles Coach Rohr Makes Defiant Statement On Residing In Nigeria, Inviting NPFL Players

Published: April 08, 2020

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has stirred up the hornet's nest after disputing the recent statements made by Nigeria Football Federation boss, Amaju Pinnick regarding his contract situation and invitation of home based players to the national team.

The German football tactician aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Pinnick at the way he went on air to discuss the conditions attached to his new proposed contract.

One of the conditions Rohr must accept before he's offered a new contract is that he must reside in Lagos or Abuja, but the former Bayern Munich defender has claimed that he spends more time in Nigeria than in Europe and argued that the Super Eagles players are based abroad with the exception of goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

In an Instagram Live conversation with Colin Udoh, Rohr said : "My philosophy is not to speak publicly about these things. I saw, like you, what was said on social media, but I can't comment.

"Already, I've spent more time in Nigeria over the past three years. All my players, except one, plays abroad."

Rohr added that some unnamed countries have been in touch with him over a coaching job but his first priority is to continue leading the Super Eagles, and maintained that money is not a deciding factor.

"I'm waiting for the (contract) proposal. Things could be very easy. I don't want more money, bonuses... just want to keep doing this.

"Personally, I received a few offers from other countries but I rejected them. I just want to take this team to the next AFCON and World Cup."

Rohr concluded by saying that he has invited twenty-four home based players to the Super Eagles since his appointment as coach, with many of the players earning contracts abroad after their call-ups.

"I've invited about 24 local players since I was appointed. Funnily, most of them get a contract in Europe almost immediately.

"It's difficult getting local players who are better than the ones we already have. That's why CHAN is important."

Rohr's best achievement as Super Eagles coach was finishing third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel