Former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, recently opened up about an incident that could have cost him his job with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Rohr revealed that he narrowly avoided being sacked when he allowed the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, to participate in a team training session alongside 40 or 50 journalists.
The incident took place during the Super Eagles’ preparations for a crucial 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone. Former sports minister, Sunday Dare, expressed his desire to be involved in the training session, and Rohr found himself in a difficult position.
In an interview with FC Bayern, Rohr explained the situation, saying, “Two years ago in Nigeria: suddenly, the Minister of Sports showed up at the training with 40 or 50 journalists and wanted to participate. I was perplexed. My assistant told me that we had to let him participate; otherwise, we would all be sacked the next day. Without further ado, we organized a rondo for him, and everything went well.”
Rohr’s decision to allow the Sports Minister to join the training session proved to be a wise move, as it prevented any confrontation and potential consequences for himself and the team. However, the incident highlights the challenges faced by coaches when dealing with unexpected situations and managing the expectations of various stakeholders.
Since his time with the Super Eagles, Rohr has moved on to become the head coach of the Benin Republic national team. Despite the challenges he faced during his tenure with the Nigerian team, Rohr’s experience and expertise in football management continue to be valued in the African football community.
In conclusion, Gernot Rohr’s revelation about avoiding a potential confrontation with the Sports Minister during his time as Super Eagles coach sheds light on the complex dynamics of managing a national team. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance coaches must maintain to navigate various external pressures while focusing on their primary objective of achieving success on the field.
