Former Tremendous Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has expressed disappointment over the off-field turmoil overshadowing Nigeria’s decisive 2026 World Cup playoff towards Gabon, describing it as “a pity” that such points are resurfacing on the worst potential time.
Rohr, now head coach of Benin Republic, mentioned Nigeria’s recurring administrative crises have as soon as once more threatened the workforce’s focus forward of a significant fixture. Talking in an unique chat, the Franco-German famous that the bonus dispute and short-term coaching boycott have been “not new in any respect,” recalling that related unrest hit the Tremendous Eagles through the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
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He mentioned the state of affairs was avoidable and urged the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) to honour its commitments, insisting {that a} workforce combating for a World Cup ticket deserves stability, readability and respect.
“It’s a pity that is occurring once more,” Rohr mentioned. “The gamers shouldn’t be coping with these distractions two days earlier than a vital match. We confronted this similar drawback in Egypt, and it’s unhappy to see it repeated.”
Regardless of his disappointment, Rohr expressed robust confidence that Nigeria will nonetheless rise above the disruption and beat Gabon to achieve Sunday’s remaining.
The previous Eagles boss mentioned the standard within the squad is sufficient to navigate the playoffs, however warned that the gamers should stay mentally robust and keep away from letting the controversy have an effect on their efficiency.
“Nigeria has the gamers to qualify,” he mentioned. “I imagine they’ll win on Thursday and even go on to take the African playoff ticket. However the NFF should do their half. The gamers have to belief that the guarantees made to them shall be stored.”
Rohr additionally urged calm amongst supporters, insisting that the gamers’ temporary protest was not out of disrespect to the nation however a name for equity.
“They solely need what they have been promised. Now that they’re again to coaching, Nigerians should assist them.”
