PORTO-NOVO, Benin Republic – Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Thursday, June 29, 2023, shared an intriguing story about a memorable experience during his tenure as the head coach of Nigeria’s national football team.
Rohr, who managed the Super Eagles for five years, was relieved of his duties by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, on December 12, 2021.
However, he claims that he could have been dismissed earlier due to an unexpected incident during a training session in Benin City.
The Super Eagles were engaged in preparations for a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.
Unexpectedly, the then Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, appeared at the training ground with a host of journalists and expressed his desire to participate in the training session.
“Two years ago in Nigeria: suddenly, the Minister of Sports showed up at the training with 40 or 50 journalists and wanted to participate,” Rohr recounted in an interview with FC Bayern.
The former Super Eagles coach admitted that he was initially bewildered by the situation. His assistant quickly informed him that if they did not permit the Minister to partake in the training, they could face dismissal the following day.
Taking swift action to accommodate the Minister, Rohr and his staff arranged a rondo – a possession-based training exercise – for him. The impromptu training session was conducted smoothly and without any issues.
The anecdote sheds light on the unique challenges and circumstances that international coaches can sometimes face, especially in a nation where football is revered.
Gernot Rohr is currently leading the national team of Benin Republic and is expected to bring his wealth of experience to improve the Squirrels’ performances on the international stage.
