Former Nigeria Football Federation board member John Fashanu has
launched a scathing attack on current Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr,
saying he has driven the team to one of their lowest ebbs.
Ex-England international Fashanu feels that Rohr should give a greater
chance to local players and said he must scout in the local league,
reportedly one of the key issues stalling talks on a new contract for
the German with his current deal to expire in June 2020.
“I think Rohr has underachieved as the coach of Super Eagles. What has
he achieved, what has he won?” Fashanu told Complete Sports.
“That team is certainly not good enough to dominate African Football.
We still have a lot of work to do to be the best in Africa. For now,
we don’t have a team yet.
“At the moment, this is one of the lowest times I have seen of the
Super Eagles. I am sorry to say that, but I am not excited about the
team now and I feel the coach is not doing enough with domestic
players. Rohr should stay in Nigeria and develop our league players
“lt amazes me anytime I hear Rohr saying that Nigerian league players
are not good enough to play for Super Eagles.
“It is a shame that he could say that of a team that won the AFCON in
2013 with about nine home-based players. A local boy [Sunday] Mba even
scored the lone goal that won us the Cup.”
…NFF owes me $100,000 – Rohr
Gernot Rohr says he is weighing options on whether to extend contract
with NFF or not. The German tactician accuses Pinnick-led NFF of not
showing commitment on his contract extension
Rohr also reveals that the football national body is owing him
allowances worth $100k
Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr, seems to be having a frosty
relationship with Amaju Pinnick-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)
with less than seven months to the expiration of his contract.
The German tactician said he is weighing options on whether to sign
new contract with the football-regulating body or not, citing lack of
commitment on NFF’s part.
The 65-year is expected to lead Nigeria to 2021 AFCON in Cameroon and
the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following impressive AFCON qualifiers win
over Lesotho and Benin Republic.
But lack consistency in payment, coupled with Pinnick’s alleged move
to extend Rohr’s contract with stringent conditions, may dash the
dream as Super Eagles coach raises foul play on NFF side.
“I am surprised that the federation are taking their time to conclude
a contract,” Rohr said.
“And to be honest, I am also surprised that when I was given a
contract extension after qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, it was
only extended until July 2020, which is right in the middle of
qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
“That is not normal and it is only the federation that can explain the
reason for this.”
The German, who expressed delight on the progress of the national team
under his tutelage, also accused NFF of delaying staff and players’
income, calling for respect in that regard.
“I will wait for my conversation with the President of the Nigeria
Football Federation in January, when he says that we shall arrange a
time to sit down and talk. We shall see what happens.”
“While I have had a good time with my players and staff over the last
three years, I have to say that relations with the administration have
not been very easy, especially when it comes to the payment of my
wages and that of the bonuses and allowances of my players and staff.
“There needs to be a lot more respect in this regard,” the 65-year-old
submitted.
The former Niger, Gabon and Burkina Faso national coach also claims
that he is owed close to $100,000 in bonuses and allowances by NFF.
Rohr said he is considering taking legal actions against the football
federation through Jean-Jacques, a Manchester United lawyer.
