The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rohr

  • Rohr plans to turn Osimhen to Eagles’ top striker

    Rohr plans to turn Osimhen to Eagles’ top striker

    Super Eagles’ handler Gernot Rohr has tipped Wolsburg of Germany striker Victor Osimhen to be one of the best strikers in Eagles’ fold and he has mapped out the way he can bring out the best in the youthful but talented forward.

    SportingLife gathered from a very top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that it was the main reason why Osimhen name was included in the list of the players that would prosecute the two friendly matches against Senegal and Burkina Faso.

    “Rohr has fallen in love with the quality of Osimhen, his strong frame, his dashing runs, the use of both legs actively and his vision at goal has endeared the boy to the Franco German Coach,” the NFF top official told SportingLife in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The name of Osimhen is among the names of players released yesterday to prosecute this month’s friendly matches. This means that Rohr will definitely see this teenage sensation in action against Senegal and Burkina Faso.

    “I am particularly happy that Rohr has seen the talent and the quality Osimhen is made of and working on him will further make him to blend well with the rest of the players in the Eagles. I won’t be surprised if Osimhen becomes a serious threat to the other Eagles strikers like Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Isaac Success and others,” the impeccable source disclosed.

  • Rohr slams Gateway Int’l Stadium

    Rohr slams Gateway Int’l Stadium

    Super Eagles coach, Gernot  Rohr has condemned the football pitch of the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, Ogun State, saying it is not good for football games.

    The national team coach made the comment in a chat with SportingLife during the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 7 game between Remo Stars and Niger Tornadoes which ended 0-1 in favour of the visitors.

    The Franco-German coach, who revealed that he will continue to watch more NPFL matches to scout for new players for the national team, praised players of both teams for the good display of football artistry despite the poor condition of the pitch.

    “It was an interesting first half. I watched the level of the game and I’ve seen some good things. It’s not easy to play on this pitch because this pitch is not so good for football. But the two teams have big motivations. I like their display, they play good football and they are trying to win the game. So for me it’s interesting to see that we have so much talent in this country. I want to see more players and I will continue to watch other games,” Rohr told SportingLife.

  • Rohr shops for wing-backs

    Rohr shops for wing-backs

    Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has started looking for big, strong and reliable wing backs for the Nigerian side who he hopes will stop the Indomitable Lions from beating Nigeria inside the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo, in one of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

    Disclosing this startling revelation to SportingLife on Thursday night from Abuja, technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Bitrus Bewarang stated that Rohr informed him that the Cameroonians were very fast on the right and left flanks, adding that: “I have been talking with the manager on telephone and he said that he needs to scout for right and left wing backs for the Eagles defence. He didn’t tell me those he has in mind. But I can tell you that he is very serious in his search for the right blend of players to stop the Indomitable Lions in Uyo, when both countries meet.

    “I can also tell you that Rohr is doing two jobs while in Gabon. First, the manager is monitoring our group opponents in the Russia 2018 world Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Secondly, he is taking time out to watch our players, especially the youngers ones as they play for their European leagues sides weekly. In fact, Rohr has prioritised the 2019 Africa Çup of Nations and will stop at nothing to ensure that Nigeria’s flag is hoisted among the comity of nations at the next Africa Cup of Nations.”

    Asked when Rohr will be returning to Nigeria, Bewarang stressed that the German didn’t divulge when he will be back pointing out that: ”It is important that we allow the manager shop for the right calibre of players to actualise his plans to give Nigeria the two qualification tickets. On our part, we are closely watching the domestic league matches and picking those who  can fight for shirts with the foriegn legion whenever the camp opens in Abuja for the game against South Africa in Uyo.”

  • World Cup Qualifiers: Rohr scared of Cameroon

    World Cup Qualifiers: Rohr scared of Cameroon

     

    . Sourced for match tapes

     The Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr has expressed fear at the new found strength of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon as they perform well at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Gabon.

    The NationSports gathered from the Head of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) Technical

    Department, Bitrus Bewerang, that Rohr is  making efforts to get all the match tapes of the Indomitable lions to enable him prepare the team  before the home and away games.

    Rohr observed that the Cameroonians have gone back to old pattern of  physical football which can easily affect Eagles in their  World Cup qualifiers.

    Rohr noted that though the Eagles  have  all it takes to conquer Cameroon based on the current

    form of the Nigerian  players in Europe.

    He said: ” I can confidently tell you that Nigeria has the best forward in Africa now.  It’s just for us to be tactical  in our approach to the game

  • Rohr storms China for Mikel

    Rohr storms China for Mikel

    • Visit fixed for second week of February
    • Plans England tour too

    From Andrew Abah, Abuja

    Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr is to visit John Mikel Obi in his new club, Tianjin FC in China in the second week of February to find out how he is doing in his new base.
    Rohr will also discuss the new developments in the Super Eagles ahead of Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with specific mention of the game against South Africa inside the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo in June and also the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
    According to NFF scribe, Sanusi Mohammed, the Super Eagles tactician has been given permission by the football house to visit any player he feels is important to him in delivering the two qualification tickets.
    Rohr will also use the opportunity to discuss with other players playing in China such as Obafemi Martins.
    “The federation has given Rohr the freedom to do what is necessary. He owes us (Nigeria) the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations’ tickets. The federation can’t stop him from travelling, if the purpose is enhancing his job with no cost implication to the federation. It is our duty to encourage him to do what is best for us to be in Russia,” Sanusi said.
    Sanusi also stated that the Eagles boss will visit London to meet with Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lukman, Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi. He said the visit is to prepare their minds for the tasks ahead.
    “I can tell you that Rohr calls the office daily from Gabon and we speak each time our World Cup opponents play in their games in the ongoing Nations Cup in Gabon. Rohr is really doing a good job,” Sanusi said.

  • 24 HOURS TO 2019 AFCON DRAWS:Rohr to spy on Nigeria’s foes

    24 HOURS TO 2019 AFCON DRAWS:Rohr to spy on Nigeria’s foes

    • Plots to get tapes of Eagles’
    likely opponents

    • To watch Rangers/Ifeanyi
    Ubah’s Charity Cup tie today

    • Hits Libreville January 12

    Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has promised to spy on Nigeria’s likely group opponents when the draws are released for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers slated to begin in March.

    Sportinglife gathered from those who should know at the Glasshouse in Abuja on Tuesday night that Rohr has contacted his usual foot soldiers to hlep him collate the tapes of Nigeria’s opponents in the 2019 AFCON qualifiers, as soon as they are made public on January 13.
    Rohr hopes to use the videos on Nigeria’s foes to prefect his strategies for them on match days just as the Eagles manager hopes to monitor some of the big players in the countries that would be pitched in the country’s group.
    Indeed, Rohr will watch today’s Charity Cup match between the NPFL Champions Enugu Rangers and Nigeria’s FA Cup kings Ifeanyi Ubah FC inside the Abuja Stadium from 4pm, where he hopes to see some of the players being pencilled down for Eagles’ invitation later in March.
    The Eagles tactician is expected to hit Libreville, Gabon on Thursday, where he will watch the draws of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and posssibly begin talks for international friendlies with countries that have similar playing style with Nigeria’s likely group mates for the eventual qualification ticket.

  • Rohr should work on Eagles defence – Shofoluwe

    Rohr should work on Eagles defence – Shofoluwe

    Former Super Eagles defense stalwart, Yisa Shofoluwe has urged the Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr to work more on the defense of the Eagles to ensure qualification for the 2018 World Cup slated for Russia.

    “The team is work in progress so in as much as I am not too happy with the defense line, I think they will still become formidable with many matches to be played. The coaches should work more on the defense and the team will be unstoppable”, Shofoluwe told SportingLife.
    He, however, tipped the Eagles to pick the ticket ahead of Cameroun, Algeria and Zambia.
    “I am confident and very sure that Nigeria will qualify for the (Russia 2018) World Cup because the players are very dedicated and desperate to get the ticket with the way I saw them play against Zambia and Algeria in the first two group matches they have played so far. It is not easy beating Zambia on their ground in Ndola and then very solid Algeria here in Nigeria.
    “We have a young team now and the young players are ready to work hard for the team to achieve success. I am particularly happy with the zeal in their playing which shows their determination to be at the World Cup. That is the positive spirit needed to book the ticket.
    “My prayer for them, most especially players like Victor Moses and the rest should not have injury prior to our qualification matches. It is only injury that can stop the team, so I don’t pray for injuries”, Shofoluwe prayed.

  • International friendlies Rohr: Expect new faces in Eagles

    International friendlies Rohr: Expect new faces in Eagles

    Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Gernot Rohr has dropped a big hint that new players will be called up to the senior Nigeria national team in their friendly games planned for next year.

    The games which are primarily meant to prepare the team for the bigger task of the 2019 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers and 2018 World Cup qualifiers will afford him the chance to try new players.

    “We are keen on strengthening the team in all areas, and even though we are retaining most of our players for our commitments next year, we plan to try out some new faces in friendly games” Rohr told Owngoalnigeria.com.

    “The team is still not where we want it to be, so no player is sure of keeping his place in the team, we will create a healthy atmosphere which will help the players become better both for their clubs and the national team”.

  • Rohr to axe Ighalo

    Watford striker, Odion Ighalo has failed to impress Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr and he could subsequently be replaced by younger strikers Olanrewaju Kayode and Victor Osimhen in the Super Eagles.

    Team officials said Ighalo will be dropped permanently from the Super Eagles as he has scored just one goal after 11 weeks of action in the Premier League in England, added to the fact that he has only scored one goal for the Super Eagles in a competitive match.

    That goal came in a 2017 AFCON qualifier against Chad in Kaduna in June 2015.

    If Kayode Olanrewaju, who has been prolific so far for Austria Wien in all competitions this season, and Victor Osimhen, who is soon to sign a professional deal with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg shone against Egypt in Dubai in a friendly in January,  that could well spell the end of Ighalo’s time in the national team.

    Rohr has already said he was so impressed with the performance of Osimhen in the build-up to the Tanzania match and will offer him another opportunity to show he were ready for the big stage.

    “Rohr has not been impressed with the performance of Odion Ighalo and Brown Ideye,” revealed a team official.

    “Against Tanzania, Ighalo was wasteful and hardly had two shots on goal, while against Zambia, Ideye was full of endeavour, while others were scoring the goals. On both occasions it took the efforts of supporting strikers for the Eagles to claim maximum points. “

    A disappointed Rohr will then consign both Ighalo and Ideye to the bench for the entire 90 minutes as the Super Eagles beat Algeria 3-1 in Uyo last weekend.

  • Rohr urges European clubs to sign Etebo

    Rohr urges European clubs to sign Etebo

    Top European teams have been urged to sign Super Eagles rave of the moment Oghenekaro Etebo by coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr.

    Etebo moved to newly promoted Portuguese side CD Feirense in January, and helped them gain promotion to the top flight where injuries have restricted him to just four appearances this season.

    Rohr believes the 21-year-old who can operate in the midfield or attack has done enough with Nigeria, starting from the Rio 2016 Olympics where he scored four goals in Nigeria’s 5-4 win over Japan to earn a move to a top club in Europe.

    “I understand he recently moved to Portugal, not too bad a place for footballers to start their careers but his recent performances showed how much quality he has which should earn him a move to a top club,” he told owngoalnigeria.com.

    “He has the quality to play in a top league for a top team in Europe, it’s all so obvious and with all due respect to his present team, he won’t be around for long if he maintains his current form.”