By KUNLE SOLAJA
Perhaps for the first time in many years of engaging foreign coaches, the Nigerian football governing body may have signed what looks a favourable contract.
The 63-year old Franco-German coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has revealed to a FIFA publication, “FIFA 1904” in its current edition that his contract is tied to the success of Nigeria qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
“If the team doesn’t make it to Russia, the FA can terminate my contract on the spot. That was the agreement. It’s worth the risk, though”, the coach told Alan Schweingruber who conducted the interview in Cap Ferret, France.
The bid to save the contract through its anticipated terminal date in 2018 begins this week end with a Nigerian away fixture with Zambia.
“FIFA 1904” had asked the coach for the terminal date of his contract with the NFF. The coach responded: “In theory, at the end of 2018”.
He went on to explain: “If the team doesn’t make it to Russia, the FA can terminate my contract on the spot. I wouldn’t get any compensation. That was the agreement. It’s worth the risk, but I don’t want to think that far ahead. I believe we will qualify.”
Chipolopolo names final squad for Nigeria tie
Chipolopolo name final squad for Nigeria tie
Zambia national football team acting head coach Wedson Nyirenda has named his final 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup qualifier with Nigeria to be played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on October 9.
Nyirenda announced his final squad after he released 11 players on Saturday who were part of the 25-man squad invited for a one week assessment period.
Nyirenda named the released players as Racha Kola, Donashano Malama, Billy Mutale, Spencer Sautu, Patson Daka, Justin Shonga, Misheck Chaila, Richard Kasonde, Mwape Mwelwa, Charles Zulu and Jack Chirwa.
The coach has selected 14 players from the domestic league who will be joined by nine foreign-based players in Ndola.
Collins Mbesuma and Winston Kalengo are expected to be the first foreign-based players to join camp.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Jacob Banda (Zesco United) , Allan Chibwe (Power Dynamos), Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA);
Defenders: Kabaso Chongo (TP Mazembe/DRC), Stoppila Sunzu (Lille /FRA), Simon Silwamba (Zesco United) , George Chilufya (Zanaco) , Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), Fackson Kapumbu (Zanaco), Lawrence Chungu (Power Dynamos)
Midfielders: Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe/DRC), Kondwani Mtonga (Zesco United), Fwayo Tembo (Power Dynamos), John Ching’andu (Zesco United), Clatus Chama (Zesco United), Rodrick Kabwe (Zanaco), Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe/DRC), Chisamba Lungu (FC Ural/RUS)
Strikers: Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United), Winston Kalengo (AC Leopards /Congo), Collins Mbesuma (Highlands Park/RSA), Lewis Macha (Kaizer Chiefs/RSA)