The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gernot Rohr

  • Nigeria to take exciting crop of young talents to Russia

    Nigeria to take exciting crop of young talents to Russia

    Nigeria are the only one of Africa’s five representatives from the last World Cup, who return for the 2018 edition in Russia and will be looking to better their place in the last 16 in Brazil.

    A crop of exciting youngsters headline a team representing Africa’s most populous nation and who will play at the World Cup for the fifth time, having mostly underachieved in the past.

    Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru and Moses Simon represent a new generation that has emerged since the 2014 finals.

    Nigeria surprisingly qualified easily from a tough group that included Algeria, who also reached the second round of the last World Cup, and African champions Cameroon.

    Nigeria were the first African country to book a berth in Russia and finished unbeaten in Africa’s Group B, winning all their home games with two draws and a victory away under German coach Gernot Rohr.

    The German was a surprise appointment just weeks before the start of the group phase of the preliminaries.

    The 64-year-old Rohr is a former Girondins Bordeaux midfielder who returned to coach the French club to the 1996 UEFA Cup final, and in more recent years was national coach of Burkina Faso, Gabon and Niger.

    He will have high hopes that Nigeria can make an impact at the finals, particularly after they beat Argentina 4-2 in a friendly in Russia earlier this month.

    Africa’s best return at the World Cup was a quarter-final place for Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010).

    But there will be concern about Nigeria’s dependency on Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel, with the level of performances over the last year falling dramatically when they were absent.

    Obi Mikel now plays his club football in China while his old Chelsea team mate Moses is the biggest name in Nigeria’s team.

    NAN

  • World Cup Qualification: Brian Idowu Joins Team

    World Cup Qualification: Brian Idowu Joins Team

    .As Rohr Commends NFF
    Russia –based Bryan Idowu has joined up with the rest of the Super Eagles squad after they arrived in Krasnodar, Russia. He told thenff.com: “It’s a big privilege for him to be part of this great squad. I will definitely give my best in order to remain a part of this team.
    “It’s a big honor for me to be called into the Super Eagles. I will give this opportunity my very best shot so I can stay here for a long time. I believe this team will put smiles on the faces of Nigerians at the World Cup next year,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr is full of encomiums for the Nigeria Football Federation for the “professional and committed manner” it handled the Super Eagles’ 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

    Not only were the three –time African champions unbeaten in what was styled ‘Group of Death’, the Eagles picked the ultimate prize in that group with a game to spare, becoming Africa’s first candidate for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia in the process.

    The man that led the team to achieving this feat believes the professional approach to the team’s preparations by the NFF for all the six qualifiers played a pivotal role in the team’s success.

    “For sure, we must commend the NFF for the role they played right from that game in Ndola against Zambia to last Friday’s game in Constantine, Algeria.

    “Apart from putting together excellent arrangements for our games at home, they ensured we travelled in comfort to all our away games and the fact that our away travels were always direct on chartered flights made sure we had very good recovery period between games. This also helped to manage the few days we usually have because of the congested and very small number of the FIFA international days,” Rohr said.

    Nigeria won four games and drew two to finish top of the eminent pile with 14 points, six ahead of second –placed Zambia. In both drawn games away from home, they were pegged back by late penalties to the hosts in dying minutes, underlying the Super Eagles’ praiseworthy performance through out the campaign.

    This, the Franco –German tactician believes, was down to paying attention to little details.

    “From the time the draw was made for the group series of the qualifiers, we know that in a difficult group like the one we were in, the difference between success and failure could be down to little things that most people would take for granted, but I am happy that the NFF were very professional, passionate and committed to the cause. Their great planning and arrangements made the players to focus on the football only, so we got the best out of them.

    “Now we cannot rest on our oars because there is a bigger challenge ahead of us. We have to prepare better and focus even more as we get set for the World Cup next year,” Rohr concluded

  • Rohr calls up 18-year-old Uzoho, Mikel, 22 others for Algeria, Argentina games

    Rohr calls up 18-year-old Uzoho, Mikel, 22 others for Algeria, Argentina games

    Team captain Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa and Ogenyi Onazi headline the list of 24 players which Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has invited for the team’s upcoming two matches.

    The Nigerian senior men football team visit Algeria next week in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, and also take on Argentina in Russia four days later in a friendly.

    Goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi made the cut, alongside defenders Abdullahi Shehu, Leon Balogun and William Ekong, as well as midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo.

     

    Forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi and Odion Ighalo were also on the list, which also has three players placed on standby.

    However, there is a first call-up for impressive goalkeeper Francis Uzoho of Deportivo La Coruna of Spain and midfielder Chidiebere Nwakali, a former FIFA U-17 World Cup winner.

    Francis Uzoho
    Francis Uzoho

    Russia-based Brian Idowu has also been placed on standby, only for the friendly with Argentina.

    2013 AFCON winner Kenneth Omeruo is on standby for both matches, alongside former junior international Alhassan Ibrahim, who now plays in Austria.

    All invited players are expected to arrive in a camp in Morocco on Monday, Nov. 6, before the delegation flies to Constantine on Thursday, Nov. 9.

    Two days later, the Super Eagles will leave Constantine for Krasnodar, the Russian city which will host the international friendly against Argentina on Nov. 14.

    THE FULL LIST

    Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain)

    Defenders: William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands);

    Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England)

    Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal);

    John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidiebere Nwakali (Sogndal FC, Norway)

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England);

    Odion Ighalo (Chang Chun-Yatai, China); Henry Onyekuru (RSC Anderlecht, Belgium); Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

    STANDBY: Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Alhassan Ibrahim (FK Austria Wien, Austria); Brian Idowu (FC Amkar Perm, Russia)(NAN)

  • I’m happy working with Super Eagles – Rohr

    I’m happy working with Super Eagles – Rohr

    A Franco-German tactician, Gernot Rohr, has expressed pleasure working with the Super Eagles, following the three-time African champions qualification for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.

    Nigeria became the first African country to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after defeating Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday in Uyo.

    The current Super Eagles re-enacted the feat of the Super Eagles’ class of 1997 that qualified for the France’98 World Cup with a match to spare.

    Rohr, in a statement by Ademola Olajire, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s spokesman on Tuesday, said that he was happy working with the team.

    Rohr said, “I am very excited to be working with this team, a blend of the experienced and the young and ambitious ones.

    “They are a delight to be with at all times, and I believe we are on to great things.

    “At the beginning of the qualifying series, many people said we were going to be chased out.

    “We sat down together and we promised ourselves that we would go all out and get the ticket.”

    The 64-year-old coach, who was employed 15 months ago, led the team to a 1- 0 defeat of Tanzania in Uyo in September 2016; 2-1 defeat of Zambia in Ndola in October, 2016.

    Also, at the start of the 2018 World Cup race, the coach led the team to a 3-1 defeat of Algeria in Uyo in November 2016; a 3-0 defeat of Togo in a friendly match in Paris in June 2017.

    His victories also include a 4-0 bashing of Cameroon in Uyo in September 2017 and a 1- 0 defeat of Zambia in Uyo in October 2017, which guaranteed the World Cup ticket.

    The only loss was against the South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Uyo, at the start of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June 2017.

    Rohr said, “The match was a big wake-up call for us. Now that we have the World Cup ticket, we will go all out for the AFCON ticket and get it.

    “When you have a team that has so much self-belief, a lot of things are possible.

    “Age is, but a number. I feel young and able and willing to go on working with this group.’’

    NAN

  • Rohr retains Cameroon conquerors for Zambia’s clash

    Rohr retains Cameroon conquerors for Zambia’s clash

    Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has retained the starting XI that claimed four points from the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in last month’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for Saturday’s crunch clash against the boastful Chipolopolo of Zambia.

    Nigeria and Zambia clash in the penultimate 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the magnificent Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

    Nigeria needs an outright victory over the Southern African nation to get an unassailable 13 points and a ticket to next year’s premier soccer tournament in Russia, while the Zambians must defeat the three-time African champions in front of a boisterous home crowd in the coastal city of Uyo to keep alive their slim hope of first FIFA World Cup ticket.

    For Saturday’s clash, the Franco-German coach has listed Ikechukwu Ezenwa in goal, while the defensive quartet that kept the Cameroonians at bay in September will provide the cover against the Zambians.

    The midfield will be anchored by Skipper Mikel Obi, Wilfred Ndidi and Ogenyi Onazi.

    The trio of Victor Moses, Simon Moses and Odion Ighalo have been handed the task of wreaking the Zambians with goals when the match kicks off at 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

    Starting XI: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Shehu Abdullahi, Elderson Echiejile, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi, John Obi Mikel, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo, Victor Moses

  • Why Super Eagles must qualify for 2018 World Cup

    Why Super Eagles must qualify for 2018 World Cup

    When the Super Eagles class of 1997 qualified for France ’98 World Cup, they did so with a match to spare; and 20 years later history is about to repeat itself.

    But for the Super Eagles to qualify the way their illustrious predecessors did in 1997, under the tutelage of Phillipe Troussier, the famed “White Witch Doctor’’; the team must scale the Chipolopolo obstacle.

    With three points separating the two archrivals, with the Super Eagles topping Group B with 10 points and closely followed by the Chipolopolo with 7 points; the Zambians believe that they can close the gap.

    The back-to-back victory recorded by the Chipolopolo over hapless Desert Foxes of Algeria, and the 1-1 draw with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at Yaoundé; the Zambians are now hopeful of qualifying for the World Cup.

    Even though the Super Eagles have all, but qualified for the 2018 World Cup, they must affirm their qualification by beating the Chipolopolo in Uyo; before the final qualifying match against the Desert Foxes.

    This is where the tactical acumen of Coach Gernot Rohr must be brought to bear on the Super Eagles as they engage their very worthy opponents; who are hell-bent on knocking the Eagles off their perch.

    The likely defensive quartet of Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun, Troost Ekong and Elderson Echiejile must play as a cohesive unit, and maintain their shape against the expected onslaught from the Zambians.

    As for the midfield, depending on the combination, Mikel Obi is expected to roam box-to-box, Wilfred Ndidi and Ogenyi Onazi or whoever, must provide a near impregnable cover for the defence line.

    Victor Moses and Odion Jude-Ighalo and others in the attack must be razor sharp in front of goal, and make hay when goal scoring opportunities come their way.

    The Super Eagles must be focused, must be professional in their approach, must be their “brother’s keeper’’; so to speak; by closing ranks when the team is under attack from the rampaging Zambians.

    The team must guard against conceding a goal before scoring their own, because where the Zambians should score before the Super Eagles; we stand the chance of conceding more goals from counter attacks.

    Even if the Zambians should score against us, let it be after we might have scored a couple of goals that would likely swing the match our way; even a 1-0 scoreline and the vital three points would be enough to take us to Russia.

    The fans must not relent in their support for the Super Eagles, even if the team is not living up to their expectations, their ultimate aim is to cheer the team non-stop until victory is achieved against the Chipolopolo.

    Even a draw against the Chipolopolo; much less a defeat can reduce our chances of qualifying for the World Cup to the barest minimum; hence the need to go for an outright win against the Zambians.

    By beating the Chipolopolo, the Super Eagles will automatically qualify for the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia with a match to spare, thereby making the final qualifying match against the Desert Foxes a mere formality.

    NAN

  • ‘Super Eagles going for outright win against Zambia’

    ‘Super Eagles going for outright win against Zambia’

     The Super Eagles spokesman, Toyin Ibitoye, on Wednesday debunked the news that the team would be satisfied with a draw against Zambia, saying instead that the team would be going for an outright win.

    Ibitoye said this in Lagos that the team would be aiming at defeating the Chipolopolo of Zambia in the crucial encounter in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

    Nigeria is on the brink qualifying for the 2018 Mundial in Russia with an emphatic win over the African champions 4-0 and the reverse fixture in Yaoundé which ended1-1.

    Nigeria will play Zambia on Saturday at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    Nigeria got the first goal in Yaoundé after 30 minutes play through Moses Simon while Cameroun got their equaliser 15 minutes to go through a Vincent Aboubakar penalty.

    The super eagles had started the campaign in what many soccer pundits predicted to be the group of death in a blistering form with a defeat 2-1of Zambia in Ndola to pick their first ever away win.

    Goals from the premier league hotshots, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho in the 33rd and 43rd minutes, ensured the much needed bright start, while Zambia’s Mbesuma scored in the 70th minute.

    Nigeria maintained the record when they defeated the highest ranked team in Africa, the Desert Warriors of Algeria in Uyo 3-1, courtesy of a brace from Victor Moses and a goal from Mikel Obi.

    However, the Gernot Rohr’s men can take a watertight lead on the summit of the Group B if they defeat Zambia on Sunday.

    A win means they will be on 13 points as against Zambia who will be rooted with seven points.

    On the importance of the match against the Wedson Nyirenda-tutored team from the Southern part of Africa, Ibitoye said the team’s management was leaving no stone unturned.

    He said that the Super Eagles Camp at the Le Meriden Hotel, was complete save the absence of Victor Moses who is been expected on Wednesday morning.

    “The camp is bubbling with the influx of the players, they all arrived early enough and they are training well. We are expecting the last person, Moses, who will arrive this ( Wednesday ) morning.

    “It is not true that we are contented with a draw according to some stories circulating around and which was attributed to the coach. All we want is an outright win.

    “At present, there is no injury concern in the team, Iwobi trained with others and he is 100 per cent fit as well as other players. The fitness level is perfect.

    “What we are saying is that the match against Zambia may not necessarily be a whitewash as we did against Cameroun.’’

    “The scoreline may or may not be the same but the points are what we need. Three full points will make us qualify in style,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Rohr calls up Mikel, Moses, Ighalo, 20 others for Zambia

    Rohr calls up Mikel, Moses, Ighalo, 20 others for Zambia

    Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has called up 23 players for the all-important 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia in Uyo on Oct. 7.

    A statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja listed team skipper Mikel Obi among the call-ups.

    China-based forward Odion Ighalo and England-based Victor Moses, who were prominent in the team against Cameroon earlier this month, retained their places.

    South Africa-based Daniel Akpeyi and Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi are however returning to the team after injury knocked them out of the sessions against the African champions earlier this month.

    Defenders Leon Balogun, Abdullahi Shehu, William Ekong and Elderson Echiejile also made the list, while midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenyi Onazi and Oghenekaro Etebo were also included.

    Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Anthony Nwakaeme also earned call-ups.

    Portugal-based goalkeeper Dele Alampasu dropped to the standby sector, alongside wing back Tyronne Ebuehi, with two home-based professionals, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Afeez Aremu, joining them.

    Both Ifeanyi and Aremu were part of the Super Eagles B team which finished as runners-up at the just-ended WAFU Cup of Nations in Ghana.

    All invited players are expected to report in Uyo on Monday.

    NAN reports that Nigeria host Zambia on Oct. 7 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, with a minimum win needed to guarantee them a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance.

    Qualification will mean the Eagles are landing in Russia for next summer’s event ahead of the final qualifying match away to Algeria in November.

    THE FULL LIST

    Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Ayodele Ajiboye (Plateau United FC)

    Defenders: William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Elderson Echiejile (Sivasspor FC, Turkey); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England)

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

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Chang Chun-Yatai, China); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

    STANDBY: Dele Alampasu (Cesarense FC, Portugal); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Afeez Aremu (Akwa United); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United). (NAN)

  • WAFU Cup: Dalung leads Pinnick, Rohr, others to Ghana

    WAFU Cup: Dalung leads Pinnick, Rohr, others to Ghana

    The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, will lead a delegation of top officials to cheer the Super Eagles in Sunday’s WAFU Cup of Nations final against the Black Stars of Ghana.

    A statement issued on Saturday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said Dalung would be accompanied on the trip by the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick.

    The statement reads: “Also in the delegation to the Cape Coast Stadium is NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, who arrived in the Ghanaian capital on Friday.

    “Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, also flew into Accra on Saturday and will be in the stands.

    “Head Coach of Super Eagles B, Salisu Yusuf, is Chief Coach of the A team where Rohr is technical adviser.”

    The statement noted that Dalung has been ever-present in Super Eagles matches in the last one year.

    “He undisputedly brings a rich vein of fortune around the team with the Eagles now only one win away from a sixth appearance in the FIFA World Cup finals,’’ it added.

    NAN

     

     

  • Gernot Rohr Confirms Enyeama’s Return

    Gernot Rohr Confirms Enyeama’s Return

    Former captain and goalkeeper of the senior national team of Nigeria, Vincent Enyeama may have agreed to return to the national team according to hint from coach Gernot Rohr.
    The Super Eagles Coach hinted that an injury which required surgery ruled Enyeama out of the recently concluded back to back World Cup qualifying matches against Cameroon.Rohr who cited Enyeama’s injury as the reason why he was not in the squad for the games reckoned that the goalkeeper is now back in training as the number one goal keeper is close to a come back.Deemed surplus to requirements by new coach of Lille Marcelo Bielsa the Nigerian also need to sort out his club future before his return can be made according to coa‎ch Rohr.

    Enyeama is however keeping in touch with the progress of Nigeria at the ongoing World Cup 2018 Qualifiers, where they are one win away from qualifying for the‎ World Cup in Russia.

    The 34 year old gave his backing to the much talked about central defence partnership of Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong by retweeting a post from Ekong with the nickname given to the pair “OyiboWall”.

    Enyeama who has been away from the team for two years has however posted a video of himself doing some works with the ball as he trained.