Who is Nigeria's New Coach?

Nigeria has always been a football-loving nation, with a rich history of producing talented players and teams that have represented the country at various international tournaments. However, in recent years, the country has struggled to maintain its dominance in the game, with a number of disappointing performances and early exits from major competitions. As a result, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has been on the lookout for a new coach to take charge of the national team and lead them to glory once again.

The Appointment of Gernot Rohr

After an extensive search, the NFF finally appointed Gernot Rohr as the new coach of the Nigerian national team in August 2016. Rohr, a German national, had previously coached teams in France, Switzerland, and Gabon, amongst others, and was seen as a seasoned professional with vast experience in international football.

Rohr was appointed on a two-year contract, with the option of renewal, and was tasked with leading the Super Eagles to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. His appointment was met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike, with some questioning his lack of experience in African football and others hailing his track record and tactical nous.

Rohr's Early Days with the Super Eagles

Rohr's first game in charge of the Super Eagles came in September 2016, as Nigeria faced Tanzania in a dead rubber AFCON qualifier. The match ended in a goalless draw, but Rohr used the opportunity to experiment with his squad and assess the players at his disposal.

In his next game, Rohr led Nigeria to a 2-1 victory over Zambia in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The win was seen as a major boost for the Super Eagles, who had struggled in recent qualifiers and were in danger of missing out on a place at the 2018 World Cup.

Over the course of his first few months in charge, Rohr worked hard to instill a new sense of discipline and professionalism in the Nigerian squad. He also experimented with different formations and tactics, as he sought to find the right balance in his team.

The Rise of the Super Eagles

Under Rohr's guidance, the Super Eagles began to show signs of improvement, as they won their next three World Cup qualifiers against Algeria, Cameroon, and Zambia, to secure their place at the 2018 tournament in Russia.

The team's success was built on a solid defensive foundation, with Rohr placing a strong emphasis on organization and discipline at the back. He also encouraged his players to play with freedom and express themselves in attack, which led to some impressive performances and results.

One of the standout performers for Nigeria during this period was Victor Moses, who was deployed in a wing-back role by Rohr and flourished in the new system. Moses scored three goals in the qualifiers and was a constant threat going forward, as he combined well with the likes of Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Rohr at the 2018 World Cup

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Rohr's Super Eagles were drawn in a tough group alongside Argentina, Croatia, and Iceland. Despite being seen as underdogs, Nigeria put in some impressive performances, particularly in their opening game against Croatia, which they lost 2-0 but were unlucky not to get anything from.

The Super Eagles bounced back in their second game, as they defeated Iceland 2-0, with Ahmed Musa scoring both goals. The win kept Nigeria's hopes of qualification alive, but they needed to avoid defeat against Argentina in their final group game to progress to the knockout stages.

In the end, Nigeria fell just short, as they lost 2-1 to Argentina in a tense and dramatic encounter. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Rohr and his players, who had given their all in their bid to make it to the last 16.

Rohr's Continuing Legacy with the Super Eagles

Despite the disappointment of the World Cup, Rohr has continued to work hard with the Super Eagles and has overseen some impressive performances and results. Under his guidance, Nigeria has qualified for the 2019 AFCON, where they will be looking to make their mark and compete for the trophy.

Rohr has also shown a willingness to give young players a chance in the national team, with the likes of Samuel Chukwueze, Samuel Kalu, and Henry Onyekuru all making their debuts under the German coach.

Overall, Rohr's tenure with the Super Eagles has been a largely successful one, as he has restored a sense of pride and passion to the Nigerian national team. While there have been some setbacks along the way, Rohr has shown himself to be a shrewd and experienced coach, who has the ability to bring the best out of his players and lead them to success.

Final Thoughts

Nigeria's new coach, Gernot Rohr, has had a positive impact on the Super Eagles since his appointment in 2016. While there have been some challenges along the way, Rohr has shown himself to be a capable and experienced coach, who has brought a new sense of discipline and professionalism to the Nigerian national team.

Under Rohr's guidance, the Super Eagles have qualified for the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 AFCON, and have shown signs of improvement and progress. With a talented squad of players at his disposal, Rohr will be hoping to build on these successes and lead Nigeria to greater heights in the years ahead.