This sort of advance preparation is now becoming a Rohr special. Ahead of the game against Zambia, some players told ESPN FC they were given very specific information about their potential opponents’ strengths, weaknesses and style, with directions on how to solve problems on the pitch.
The homework paid off and it showed in how the Chipolopolo were neutralised on the day. Another source revealed how Rohr not only expressed concern about the state of the pitch at the Uyo Stadium where the game will be played, but also kept abreast of progress made with the work done to repair the pitch.
Not many fans were enamoured when Gernot Rohr was named Nigeria coach in August.
Firstly, the German was not a big-name coach at the same level as Frenchman Paul Le Guen, who had turned down the job despite participating in the interview process.
And, despite a good coaching record with Bordeaux, his international credentials did not go much higher than the likes of Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso. Not exactly a CV that stirs the blood of passionate Nigerian fans wanting someone to return their team to the top of African football and make an impression on the world stage.
Neither did Rohr’s start inspire much confidence. A laboured 1-0 win over Tanzania in a meaningless African Nations Cup qualifier had many wondering just what the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had got itself into, despite the team playing with more coherence and creating chances that they failed to finish.
But in the time since, Rohr has set about his task with the single-minded determination and laser-sharp focus of a man who will countenance nothing but success.
After masterminding a 2-1 away win in his opening 2018 World Cup qualifying win over Zambia on Oct. 9, Rohr immediately turned his focus to the next game on Nov. 11 — the big one against Algeria, Africa’s top-ranked side.
Make no mistake, if Nigeria are to qualify for Russia 2018, nothing but a win against the North Africans will do, and Rohr knows it.
A source close to the national team told ESPN FC that the coach had held a meeting with his players immediately after the Zambia victory to impress on them the importance of getting game time at their respective clubs to prepare for Algeria.
Over the course of this last week, Rohr has taken time to travel to Europe to see and talk to his players and their managers.
So far, Arsenal, Chelsea, Watford, Manchester City and Leicester have been covered with the rest of Europe to follow.
At every turn, Rohr has emphasised game time and a focus on the task ahead. According to NFF President AmajuPinnick, Rohr’s only request before embarking on the trip was permission to do what he wanted, not any extra funding.
“He did not ask for any money,” Pinnick said. “He just sent in his programme for what he wanted to do and as soon as he got approval, he was off.”
This should not be the norm (unless of course it is part of the contract between both parties), but it is a welcome breath of fresh air. Not just to see a Nigeria coach doing his job with consideration for his employer’s terrible financial status, but to see both sides working without rancour. Hopefully, this will go on for as long as the contract exists.
What Rohr is doing is not rocket science. But too many times, both NFF and their coaches have worked at cross purposes; the NFF (and its technical committee) not trusting the coach to do a job for which he carries the can at the end of the day, and the coaches not only bristling at the NFF’s interference, but also at their inability to meet financial obligations.
Peace, it would appear, has broken out. And Nigerians will hope it lasts long enough to carry the Super Eagles to World Cup qualification.
Otherwise, Pinnick and his board could well be on their way.
