BY BOLAJI OKUNOLA
Like every Nigerian, Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr knows the importance of winning the first match of the World Cup.
In this interview, the Franco-German quite understands the Super Eagles must beat Croatia to brighten her chances of making appreciable impact in Russia.
He also reveals his dream, weaknesses and strong areas of his team. He did not forget to talk about his future with Nigeria Football Federation and how he felt when he lost his first match against South Africa in Uyo. He also delves on the calibers of players that would make his final 23-man World Cup list and lots more.
It’s no longer news the Super Eagles will be playing seven Pre-World Cup friendlies, what should Nigerians be expecting from the fixtures?
Yes, it is good we will be playing six to seven different matches before the FIFA World Cup begins in Russia. I am glad for the support I received from the Nigeria Football Federation. They have always shown helping hands. The fans should expect nothing less than victory. Although they are friendly matches but I still believe fans will use that in judging or gauging our preparations. The game against England will certainly be the toughest for me. I have no choice than to build the team towards the game. The England game will be tough; both teams will be parading youngsters and am also looking forward to the game against Poland in March. I just hope it yields positive results before the World Cup begins proper.
Who is your major key player in the Super Eagles squad?
All players are special to me. But recently, I will go for Winfred Ndidi. Ndidi has been very fantastic this season. He plays week in week out. He never gets tired. I admire him for his tackling skills. I won’t mind building my team around such a player. He is a tireless midfielder. Aside him, Mikel and Victor Moses are also doing well. They have got the matured mind to lead the team. Let’s just hope all goes well.
What merit will you use to pick the 23-man list ahead of the World Cup?
For now, it depends on players’ playing time and fitness. If you don’t play regularly for your club, you can’t be fit and if a player is not fit, he or she doesn’t deserve to be on the World Cup list. I often visit the clubs to check on how my players are doing abroad. I have been to Leicester City to check on Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho. I thank God it’s yielding positive results. Iheanacho scored a brace for Leicester City during the week and I am happy about that. I just hope other players remain fit so as to make my work easier for the tournament. I don’t discriminate against players. My concern is for them to be playing well for their respective clubs. I don’t care the club they are playing for or the league they are in.
What are some weaknesses in your team?
For now we haven’t noticed any weakness. A team is as good as is last game. Our last game was against Argentina and we won 4-2. I can say that is the major purpose of organising pre-tournament friendly games. It will help us know our weaknesses. But I think the only weakness we are having is in the goalkeeping department. I am currently working hard to see how we can settle that before the tournament begins proper. Also I think we need a strong striker who can support Odion Ighalo. It’s glaring once Ighalo is out of the game the opponent’s defense feels comfortable. I hope my scout got me one. I am aware Henry Onyekuru is injured and Kayode Olarenwaju is currently battling an injury. Those are the areas I believe we might be weak if we fail to make quick corrections before the tournament begins.
What about your strong areas?
Smiles! I can’t reveal that. All coaches are keeping it away from their rivals. But let me tell you a little since we have talked about weaknesses. I believe so much in my midfield. I have gotten a world-class midfield any coach can be proud of. From the likes of Winfred Nidid, John Obi Mikel and Alex Iwobi, who loves pushing the ball forward. Victor Moses is also essential to my World Cup dream. I can’t wait to have these boys around once again. They are nice to be with and I adore their passion.
How can you describe the attitude of the NFF?
I see them as a very nice people. I thank them for extending my contract. I have always loved to work with them. They have given the team what they need in terms of sponsors, allowances and welfare. I was happy when they paid the players upfront. They are the best I’ve worked with. I hope they keep showing more love.
What is your World Cup target?
As a coach I’d love to say I will win the World Cup trophy but one needs to take the game one after the other. We will be playing our first game against Croatia, which is very crucial. Let’s hope we win and after that, we can keep talking on how to approach our other matches. Sincerely speaking, the game will certainly decide my future. If the Eagles should lose against Croatia, then it will be difficult winning Iceland because we will surely be playing under pressure. The game against Croatia is the one I fear so much.
I wish we had qualified before we play our last match against Argentina.
How did you feel when you lost your first game against South Africa in Uyo?
It was my worst day. I was very mad at my players. Why should you lose against a team like South Africa whose exposure is not matching ours? During the break, I gave some certain instruction but my boys failed to listen. We lost the game due to poor approach and we paid for it. We have no choice than to win all our remaining matches, which include Libya and Seychelles. I believe our dream is attainable. Let’s just focus on the World Cup preparation before we resume our unfinished assignment on AFCON.
What are you doing to fortify the goalkeeping department?
I often speak to my goalkeepers’ trainer, Aloy Agu to keep visiting the likes of Dele Alampasu, Dele Ajiboye, Daniel Akpeyi and even Vincent Enyeama. I have all of them in my plans. I only hope Enyeama regains fitness before the World Cup begins. I still see him as major member of my team. Deportivo La Corona of Spain goalkeeper Francis Ozoho is always on my mind. He has what it takes to be a very good goalkeeper. He has gotten the physique and height; I just hope he’s in good form before the tournament begins. There are reasons for everything and I still made contact with ailing Carl Ikeme. As for now, Ikechukwu Ezenwa is the one I often watch.
What can you say about your preparations?
We are almost done with the planning. Thanks to the NFF who have showed support by executing their duty. We now have fixed dates and venues for our matches and I am happy we have a camp in Russia. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed and hope all works out.