The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has given Gernot Rohr, the newly-appointed Super Eagles Technical Adviser, a target to qualify the country for the Russia 2018 World Cup.
Gernot Rohr The Federation’s Assistant Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday. The official said that the NFF had resolved to ensure that Rohr succeeds. “The only reason we have not signed a coach before now is because the previous person didn’t want to be given target but the present administration is very much concerned about qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.
“That is the target that has been given to Mr Rohr and he is very comfortable with it. “He believes that Nigeria has the players to not only qualify for the competition, but do very well in Russia. The NFF spokesman also said that the German tactician would be given an accommodation in Abuja, in addition to a sport utility vehicle (SUV). He said that both the accommodation and vehicle would be available when he resumes duty after the Olympics.
“Mr Gernot Rohr is very ready and willing to reside here in Nigeria and for your information, Rohr has an African wife, a Madagascan. “He is very comfortable in Africa; he has worked in Gabon, Niger Republic, Burkina Faso and Tunisia. “Work has started already because Mr Rohr is on his way to Spain as we speak to watch the NPFL stars in the Trofoe Carranza tournament.
“They will be playing against Athletico Madrid and Malaga on Saturday. “Mr Rohr is unable to meet the game against Valencia on Wednesday because he has been back here perfecting the contract with the NFF. “The contract has been signed on Tuesday and he will be (taking)-off to Spain by Wednesday- Thursday.’’ Olajire further said that the German tactician would be unveiled to the media when he returns from his trip to Spain or immediately after the Rio 2016 Olympics.
“Rohr will be unveiled next week when he returns from his trip Spain or after the Olympics, if he decides to go to Rio to watch the Dream Team VI,” he said. NAN reports that NFF signed a contract with Rohr on Tuesday behind closed-door at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. NFF’s President, Amaju Pinnick and the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi signed on behalf of the federation. The 63-year-old tactician will lead the Super Eagles for the first time when Nigeria host Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Port Harcourt.