The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gernot Rohr

  • Ugbade confident Eagles will impress in London

    Ex-Interational Nduka Ugbade has thrown his weight behind the Super Eagles as they gear up for the two international friendlies against Senegal and Burkina Faso.

    Ugbade made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by a telephone interview on Wednesday in Abuja.

    NAN reports that the Super Eagles will engage Senegal at Barnet Football Club’s ground ‘The Hive’ on Thursday and then play the Etalons of Burkina Faso four days later.

    The two friendlies in London are being used to get the team ready for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which start in June and the resumption of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in August.

    Ugbade, the first African to lift a World Cup when he captained the U-17 to win the cadet championship in 1985, noted that the team was a mixture of young talents and experience.

    He further told NAN that the friendlies would be a good test for the Eagles, adding that Senegal and Burkina Faso were worthy adversaries.

    “I’m happy we secured the games against some of Africa’s toughest teams.

    “Senegal with all their stars will be a very good test for Nigeria, while Burkina Faso are also tough as they showed at the last Africa Cup of Nations,” Ugbade said.

    “Both teams possess technical and tactical strength as we witnessed in the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon.

    “So, the games will help prepare the team for the tough tasks ahead as we have to do all we can to qualify for the World Cup and Nations Cup.

    “These kinds of games are good for the players and the coaches too, to enable them see areas that need to be worked on.

    “I believe Nigeria will do well in the games as the new coach, Gernot Rohr, has shown what he can do in the few games he has been in charge.”

     

  • London Friendly: Eagles set for final training

    London Friendly: Eagles set for final training

     

     

     

     

    Super Eagles will have final training ahead of the two friendly matches against Senegal and Burkina Faso respectively Wednesday morning.  The Gernot Rohr tutored side had their first training Tuesday evening with the technical crew monitoring every player with rapt attention.

    The Eagles did not participate in the 2017 African Cup of Nations, and are using the games with Senegal and Burkina Faso to test their preparedness for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Cameroon and the 2019 Afcon qualifier against South Africa.

    The training according to the technical crew was deliberately made short on Tuesday but Wednesday training is expected to be more encompassing with all departments giving effective drill.

    Among players that took part in the first training include Arsenal’s forward Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Ahmed Musa, William Troost-Ekong, Shehu Abdullahi and Carl Ikeme.

    Others include Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Moses Simon, Kenneth Omeruo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success, Tyrone Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem and Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee.

    Eagles will test Taranga lions might on Thursday before filing out against Burkina Faso on Monday.

    Meanwhile coach Rohr has frowned at last minute pull out of Chelsea forward Victor Moses from the friendly matches.  The former Wigan Athletic forward who had earlier played for 70 minutes against Stoke after his injury during the FA Cup against Manchester United was re-confirmed injured by the club forcing him to leave the camp. But the last minute turn of event did not tickle the fancy of the coach who has earlier warned that he expects a full house in the course of preparing for the world cup and Nations Cup qualifiers respectively.

    Some soccer fans have also reacted to last minute pull out by Moses with some recalling it wouldn’t be the first time he has missed friendly matches involving Eagles. They however expressed hope that Eagles will ultimately form a formidable blend with a view to achieving good result in the qualifiers against Cameroon, Algeria and South Africa.

  • Kayode Olanrewaju worried over Eagles snub

    Kayode Olanrewaju worried over Eagles snub

    .Begs Rohr for chance

    Austria-based striker, Olanrewaju Kayode is unhappy over his non-invitation to the Nigeria national team for the upcoming international friendlies with Senegal and Burkina Faso in London later this month.

    Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, has listed Germany based forward Noah Joel Bazee and Tyronne Ebuehi among 25 players to take part in upcoming matches.

    23-year-old Kayode, who has played for the Under 17, U-20 and Olympic teams for Nigeria has scored 7 league goals, two in the cup and three in the UEFA Europa League so far this season for Austria Wien, is appealing to the national team selectors to consider him for future call ups.

    “For a long time now, I have not been invited to the national team. But I know very soon, Coach rohr would look in my direction because my position remains vacant. I am ready to score for Nigeria, I am ready to score for Rohr, but all that can come through only if I am invited.

    “Some people said I play in a far league, some said I play in the cold, some said I play in Austria and it is not English Premier League. But I will tell you football in La-Liga is the same in Austria. I played in the Europa League last season, so what experience do I need again. I have represented Nigeria at youth levels and my mates like Ogenyi  Onazi and Kenneth Omeruo are the ones playing currently for now,” Kayode said.

     

  • Rohr lines up Moses,Iwobi and Musa against Lions

    Rohr lines up Moses,Iwobi and Musa against Lions

     

     

     

    Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is to unleash Chelsea forward Victor Moses, Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi, Leicester forward Ahmed Musa and Manchester City forward Kelechi Ihenacho against Taranga Lions of Senegal in London.

    The Eagles have chosen friendly matches against Senegal and Burkina Faso as shape up matches ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon and Algeria respectively as well as Afcon 2019 qualifiers against South Africa.

    Rohr who has in recent times been visiting local league venues to equally have a look at home based players, picked some to blend with the foreign based with a view to providing a level playing ground for players to  fight for shirt in the qualifiers.

    Ifeanyi Ubah’s  safe hand Ikechukwu Ezenwa and his Wolverhampton Wanderers counterpart Carl Ikeme both made the list.

    The all important shape up match Lions is scheduled for March 23 while the Stallions will take their turn March 27 at the same venue The Hive, Barnet Football Club.

    THE FULL LIST

    Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah)

    Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); William Paul Ekong (KAA Gent, Belgium); Kenneth Omeruo (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Uche Henry Agbo (Granada FC, Spain); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Musa Muhammed (FC Zeljeznicar, Bosnia Herzegovina); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Gijon, Spain); Kingsley Madu (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal)

    Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Isaac Success (Watford FC, England); Noah Joel Bazee (Hannover 96, Germany); Victor Osimhen (Wolfsburg FC, Germany)

  • Rohr reveals prayer point for Nigerian players

    Rohr reveals prayer point for Nigerian players

     

     

    Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, has revealed a prayer point he has been saying on daily basis for Nigeria prayers at home and in the diaspora.

    At a stock taking session where he x-rayed the journey so far, the challenges ahead of the national team and the way forward, the former Gabon and Niger Sweat merchant said nothing can gladden his heart more than to see Nigerian players in action irrespective of what league they play.

    He opined that football is no longer an exclusive of a tribe or race but has become so dynamic that good football is now being played everywhere including some areas hitherto looked down upon.

    “What is important now is having good playing time, good football is being played virtually everywhere. They play good football in China and other leagues and my wish is for our players to be in action no matter the league they play in,” he said.

    The German who has continued to receive kudos in most quarters for having a smooth working relationship with his assistants, added that time when selection of players is based solely on popularity of the league in which they play are over. Using the just ended Nations Cup in Gabon as a yardstick, Rohr noted that some of the players who shone like a million stars were not known but rose to the occasion, an indication that a player can be active somewhere unknown but good enough to make the difference.

    Rohr who is billed to lead Eagles against Taranga Lions of Senegal in a shape up friendly billed for March 23 in London expressed optimism that the Eagles will be equal to the task when they face Bafana Bafanna in the 2019 Nations Cup Qualifiers and Cameroon in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers respectively.

    The former Étoile Sahel Manager added that his visit to league venues in not unconnected with a desire to monitor players both home and abroad with a view to providing opportunity for those who have what it takes to achieve set target.

    “I monitor players and take notes and I have able assistants who also know this players well so we are optimistic of good outings without underrating any team,” he submitted

  • Tornadoes get Ajoku’s boost vs Enyimba

    Tornadoes get Ajoku’s boost vs Enyimba

     

     

    Hard working technical crew of Niger Tornadoes have received a major boost following Super Striker Blessing Ajoku’s return to fitness ahead of Sunday’s clash against two time champions league side Enyimba.

    Ajoku whose impressive finishing has become a major talking point among die hard followers of the Nigeria professional Football league, was pulled off in the second half of Tornadoes tie against Remo Stars raising fears that he may be missing the match against the Peoples Elephants to injury.

    Medics of the club have however handed him clean bill of health which has fired up the spirit in camp.

    “Ajoku is fit to play, there is nothing to worry about as it was a minor injury.  We advised the technical crew to pull him out during the clash against Remo Stars as precautionary measure, he is good to go” confirmed Yakubu Abdullahi of the team’s medical department.

    Ajoku has already scored four goals including the only goal that earned Tornadoes away win at the expense of the Remo Stars in shagamu with Super Eagles coach  Gernot Rohr  watching with keen interest.

    A confident Tornadoes Coach Abubakar Bala, believes his side has been having a good run so far, adding that it has been operation one match at time and it has been working. “Our desire is to have a good run in the league and I am happy we are measuring up so far,” he enthused

    Tornadoes will be hoping to build on the away win achieved in Shagamu just as Enyimba will be heading into the match fresh from a lone goal victory over Akwa United.

  • China sojourn won’t affect Mikel,Ighalo says Owolabi

    China sojourn won’t affect Mikel,Ighalo says Owolabi

     

     

    Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr has been told to build personal relationship with his players if he is to have a smooth sail to Russia 2018.

    Former international Felix Owolabi who made the submission observed that such closeness played out in the result achieved by Cameroon at the just ended Nations Cup in Gabon, adding that Rohr may not necessarily have to travel from place to place to monitor Nigerian players but maintain channel of communication that keeps him abreast with what is happening to each player.

    “Now you don’t tell players you must win this tournament, you tell them you can win it, and once tbey believe in you and in themselves   they will be at their best no matter the challenge, and that was what we saw in the Cameroonian team that won the Nations Cup,” he said

    The 1980 Nations cup winner dismissed insinuations in some quarters that having the likes of Eagles captain Obi Mikel and Odion ighalo among others in  China could affect to the National team.

    “It has nothing do with where the player is playing; it has more to do with experience and determination. Mikel and Ighalo for instance are experienced players and playing in China cannot not stop them from measuring up, it all depends on how the players are handled and how determined they are to achieve set goals,” he added

    The former Shooting Stars midfielder canvassed for increased tempo in preparation for the next set for qualifiers beginning from the clash in August against Cameroon.

    “Preparations has to be on now, where is the venue of the match, that has to be known now not few days to the match, the coach should be getting in touch with the players now and keeping tab on them, we must avoid waiting till the last minute,” he submitted

  • 2019 AFCON: I will unveil Eagles’ list in February – Rohr

    2019 AFCON: I will unveil Eagles’ list in February – Rohr

    Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, will  release in February his squad for the 2019 African Nations Cup (AFCON) qualifier slated for March.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will stage the draw for the 2019 AFCON qualifying tournament in Libreville, Gabon, on Thursday.

    “I will make my list by the end of February,” AfricanFootball.com quoted Rohr as saying on his plans for the tournament taking place in Cameroon.

    “This will depend on what the players are doing at their clubs.

    “Some new players could come like fullback. We have somebody, but it’s too early to speak about that now.”

    He added the domestic league players will now have a better chance of making his squad as the new season resumes this weekend after the past season officially ended in November.

    “I will watch tomorrow’s (Wednesday) Super Cup clash between Rangers and FC Ifeanyi Ubah to see if I could see some players in the league,” he said.

     

  • Imama Amapakabo a dependable ally -Rohr

    Imama Amapakabo a dependable ally -Rohr



    Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has declared that inputs from his local assistants will be major ingredient in his quest not only to qualify the team but also ensure impressive performance in Russia.
    He singled out Rangers coach Imama Amapakabo as one coach whose wealth of experience will come handy, describing him as a dependable ally.
    “He is a good coach and we interact all the time, we discuss on phone and he knows a whole lot of players in the local league capable of rising to the occasion when it matters most, ditto Salisu Yusuf,”he submitted.
    Rohr’s submission on Amapakabo who broke Rangers trophyless jinx is a tacit prediction that the Flying Antelopes stand a good chance of doing well in the Champions league which kicks off in February.
    Rohr who has already concluded arrangement to watch matches of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations which gets underway January 14 in Gabon opined that it is important that the Super Eagles maintain top shape despite failing to qualifying for the Continental show piece which has World cup qualifying opponents Cameroon and Algeria on parade.
    The former Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso handler expressed optimism that the Eagles will continue to post good results in the qualifiers leading to Russia 2018.
    Nigeria currently lead the group with six points with Eagles billed to host Indomitable Lions August 28 and the return leg in Yaoundé scheduled for September 7.

  • Super Eagles coach accepts to work for French TV

    Super Eagles coach accepts to work for French TV

    Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr has accepted an offer to analyse football on French TV station, Bein.

    The German born coach will be one of their commentators during the African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Gabon slated for 14 January – 5 February 2017.

    Rohr stated: “It is unfortunate we didn’t qualify for the tournament but working as a TV pundit is an opportunity for me to see and anaylse the Cameroonian team.

    “It’ s better to watch your opponents live instead of relying on video clips.

    “Although some of their top players won’t be playing in the tournament, Cameroon is still a strong team.
    “We will win the match in Uyo because we have a better team than Cameroon. But it will be difficult.

    “We want to find better players to have a better team, and we need young players.