The drama surrounding the Super Eagles match against Mexico has continued with the latest reports indicating that coach Gernot Rohr, who had earlier distanced himself from the match, has sensationally made a U-turn and has agreed to lead the team when they file out against the North American heavyweights, Sunday in the USA.
Early last week, the Super Eagles manager had said he would not take the home-based players to face Mexico because he did not believe in their abilities. His favourite foreign-based stars who are holidaying were not available for selection.
Subsequently, Rohr was a mere visitor to the team’s training sessions at the FIFA Goal Project pitch in Abuja and had no hand in their training as the NFF technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, and his deputy, Paul Aigbogun took charge of the team.
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Rohr’s stand drew criticisms from Nigerians, including the Minister of Sports, Mr Sunday Dare who registered his displeasure and accused the coach of mistreating the home-based Eagles. Dare followed that up with a call to the NFF to call Rohr to order, saying he was employed to give opportunities to all Nigerian footballers regardless of their status.
With the denial of a US visa to Austin Eguavoen, Aigbogun was to lead the team against Mexico, but latest reports say coach Gernot Rohr is expected to be in the dugout when the home-based Super Eagles take on Mexico. The German tactician has now linked up with the team in the United States and had a training session with the team yesterday.
The reason behind the sudden change is unclear, but it may have to do with Eguavoen’s unavailability. Meanwhile, Montreal Striker Ibrahim Sunusi has been called up to the squad along with Tottenham Hotspur U-23 goalkeeper Joshua Olayemi, who is a replacement for the injured Ikechukwu Ezenwa.
(Vanguard)
