New Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, will officially make his debut, Saturday, in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.
The German, who led the Eagles to a resounding 3-0 victory over domestic side, Akwa United, on Wednesday, is eager to make his mark on the three-time African champions.
Owing to his huge experience on the African terrain, the gaffer seems prepared for the task ahead by already mapping out his plans for success.
Here’s a hint on what the German tactician intends to do with the Nigeria national team.
- Bring back Enyeama
First thing on the wish-list of the 63-year-old is to bring back former skipper and most capped player, Vincent Enyeama. The Lille goalkeeper, who clocked 34, Monday, quit the national team in 2015 after an irreconcilable difference with then coach, Sunday Oliseh.
“I have personally called him and I think we will need him after this weekend’s match. I am working to have all our players available for subsequent matches,” Rohr declared.
- Solve defensive dilemma
As a defender during his playing days, Rohr looks set to reshuffle the backline of the Super Eagles. Kenneth Omeruo is yet to play this season while the likes of Godfrey Oboabona, Efe Ambrose and Elderson Echiejile are all bit-part players at their respective clubs.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do to get Super Eagles ready for the World Cup qualifiers,” Rohr stated.
“If the Nigerian team is to effectively compete, it must have a good defence. We are certainly going to work on that area.”
- Build team around youth
Prior to his appointment as Super Eagles coach, Rohr was head of developmental programmes for German Football Association (DFB). The gaffer intends to transmit this knowledge into the Nigerian game by building his team around young players.
“We will concentrate on raising young energetic players to make the Eagles strong,” the German revealed.
“The game against Akwa United was to see the young players in action. I am sure that we can do it together if we play as a team and live well together.”
- Reside in Nigeria
Unlike his predecessor, Rohr has revealed that he will work and reside in Nigeria. This will allow the former Bordeaux coach to move around to spot talents from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
“I am ready to live in Nigeria but they are yet to get a house for me,” he said.
“Even though Nigerian clubs do not go far in African club competitions, I will still watch the league and see players from it.”
- No salary? No problem
Having previously coached three other African teams, Rohr says he is willing to work without getting distracted by unpaid salaries.
His words: “My problem at the moment is not when my salary is coming; my problem is building a national team.
“We have a contract, and I see everyone who signed the contract as being honest.”
