Former Rennes and Nigeria international John Utaka believes Gernot Rohr needs the support of all Nigerians to succeed as coach of the Super Eagles.
Gernot Rohr. Super Eagles coach. Photo credit: Goal.com
Utaka believes the German tactician can perform better than his predecessors if backed.
According to Utaka “The boys know him more than the previous person, so give him that chance and support just like the little they did with Bonfere Jo at the Olympics,”
“He might do better than what he has done but I think, he will do a good job.” Utaka made 49 appearances for the Super Eagles, scoring six goals and featured for the side at the 2002 World Cup. Utaka told Brila FM.
The German tactician was appointed as manager of the West Africans in 2016 and has made a meaningful contribution to the side since his arrival.
Rohr is set to sign a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as his current deal with the governing body is set to expire next month.
The 66-year-old guided the Super Eagles to the 2018 World Cup in Russia where they were eliminated at the group stage and led the side to finish third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Gernot Rohr will take a pay cut to continue as Nigeria coach, but he has two offers on the table if he cannot come to an agreement regarding a new contract with the Super Eagles.
Rohr’s current deal ends on June 30, and he has been offered a fresh contract by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), with some modified clauses. Under the terms of the new deal, the German is expected to reside in Nigeria and be paid in local currency. He will also take a wage cut.
Rohr has no problems with those conditions.
“I never talk about my contract in public, as you know,” Rohr told ESPN.
“But I heard like everybody what was said by President [Amaju] Pinnick, that I have to accept to be paid in naira, and I have to be resident in Nigeria. I agree to these two things, and even I agree to have a lower salary.
“I am not doing my job for money. I am doing my job because I like it. Because we have built a team like you know, and money is not the most important. But I also have to look after my assistants.
“I accept because I think that my mission in Nigeria is not finished yet, and I know very well my players. I know very well the officials. We are now just like a family, and I think it is good to continue especially in t“his period now where it is difficult to change, to travel, to see new people.
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