Tag Archives: rohr

China-based Eagles missing as Rohr lists 25 for Senegal, Burkina Faso friendlies.

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Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has listed goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and forwards Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho for this month’s international friendly matches against Senegal and Burkina Faso in London. But Skipper John Obi MIkel is conspiculoous by his absence in the list. Rohr did not give any explanation for the omission of the midfielder, who referred joined Tianjin Teda in the Chinese League.

But home–based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Leon Balogun and William Ekong, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo and forwards Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon are in the list.

Experienced left back Elderson Echiejile, Portugal–based Chidozie Awaziem, Israel–based John Ogu and Watford FC of England forward, Isaac Success are also called.

The Super Eagles will be up against Senegal’s Teranga Lions on Thursday, 23rd March before taking on the Etalons of Burkina Faso four days later. Both matches will be played at The Hive, home ground of Barnet Football Club.

The full list
Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah)

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); William Paul Ekong (KAA Gent, Belgium); Kenneth Omeruo (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Uche Henry Agbo (Granada FC, Spain); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Musa Muhammed (FC Zeljeznicar, Bosnia Herzegovina); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Gijon, Spain); Kingsley Madu (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Isaac Success (Watford FC, England); Noah Joel Bazee (Hannover 96, Germany); Victor Osimhen (Wolfsburg FC, Germany).

 

Source: The Guardian

Rohr set to poach Everton youngster, Lookman to the Super Eagles.

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Everton attacker, Ademola Lookman, has the option to represent Nigeria at international level and the African country has made an approach to seek out his allegiance, according to The Liverpool Echo.

The blistering young forward has moved to the Premier League outfit from Charlton Athletic and has impressed for Ronald Koeman’s men since his January transfer.

Lookman has already represented England at both under-19 and 20 level, with the Wandsworth-born starlet being tipped as a player that could feature in senior international football in the future.

Lookman qualifies for Nigeria through families ties and as such the former Charlton starlet seemingly has a tough decision to make over his national alliance.

The teenager has made five Premier League appearances so far for Everton this term and scored his first Premier League goal in the 4-0 win over Manchester City.

Lookman has played three games for the England national team and scored one goal. Considering that he will be of high probability to make the Three Lions first team in the near future and also because he was born in England and spent his entire life there, he may opt to represent England.

However, Nigeria boss, Gerard Rohr, will visit Lookman in the coming weeks after Lookman’s representatives held talks with the Nigerian FA last month.

 

Source: Guardian

Iheanacho, Iwobi, Success key to Nigeria’s dominance of African football, says Rohr

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Super Eagles’ Coach, Gernot Rohr, is one of the newbreed German coaches trying their hands in African football. Following in the footsteps of such renowned German coaches including Otto Pfister, Rudi Gutendorf and Burkhard Ziese, Rohr has already started building a reputation as a very bright tactician.

In an interview published by FIFA.Com yesterday, the 63-year-old, who took over the Super Eagles in August last year, revealed his plans to reduce the average age of the players to create a formidable squad that would be unrivalled in the continent.

The German has already started on a bright note with victories over Zambia and Algeria in the Russia 2018 qualifying series. But he says he would not rest on his oars until he gets a team that would surpass the achievements of the Super Eagles of the 1990s.

“Winning our first two matches was a great start, but we will not play again until the end of August and early September, when we face Cameroun,” said Rohr. “They of course are African champions and will be highly motivated to take the form from Gabon into the World Cup qualifiers.

“I do not get carried away. It is a very tough group and nothing has been decided. But I admit that, at the moment, we have a small advantage and if we win our two matches at home against Cameroun and Zambia, we will qualify.”

Although Rohr is banking on the large pool of talented youngsters thrown up by recent age grade competitions to build a formidable Super Eagles, he has also kept faith with the older players to give the team the needed balance.

“As the team and the country had been deeply affected by failing to qualify for the finals in Gabon, I wanted to bring in some younger players into the squad. This, of course, is without closing the door on anyone.”

Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Troost-Ekong have already cemented their positions in the new Super Eagles, but the coach is still on the look out for emerging talents to create competition in the squad.

Rohr success with Eagles, proof that foreign coaches work best for Nigeria – Babayaro

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Former Super Eagles left-back, Celestine Babayaro is pleased with the current form and spirit in the Nigerian squad and their style of play under new manager, Gernot Rohr, saying it brings back memories of the glory days of Nigerian football.

 

The Franco-German coach, since assuming the post of the Nigerian technical adviser, has won all three games he has handled as coach, starting from the 1-0 win over Tanzania to the 2-1 and 3-1 win over Zambia and Algeria respectively.

 

Babayaro, who was one of Dutchman, Jo Bonfrere’s 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold winning Under-23 team, said the success of Rohr in the three games he handled so far has proven right, the assertions that foreign coaches are the best for Nigeria.

According to him, “The performances of the team under Rohr is a strong proof that foreign coaches work best for Nigeria.

 

“There’s an identity to the team and how they play. It’s like watching the 94 Eagles all over again.

 

“It is not rocket science but the team has evolved under him. They play with a whole lot of confidence and above all defensively they have the mentality of the German defence. Very mean.”

Super Eagles must improve in defence – Rohr

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Gernot Rohr has said that Nigeria’s defence must improve despite their 3-1 victory over Algeria in the 2018 Africa World Cup Qualifying Group B match.

 

John Obi Mikel’s goal sandwiched by Victor Moses’ brace secured a much deserved three points for the Super Eagles with Nabil Bentaleb’s scorcher proving a mere consolation for Georges Leekens’ side.

 

The former Bordeaux boss said his side’s ‘only problems’ in the game surfaced in the second half when Riyad Mahrez and his fellow attackers started throwing tantrums at their defence.

 

“The only problems we had during the game were the chances Algeria were creating in the second half,” Rohr told media.

 

“It was tough stopping the Algerians but our defenders showed solidarity and we held on. It’s clear that we must improve our defence.

 

“We have tried three different players at right-back; they have done their best but we have to continue to find the ideal players for the defence.

 

“We will improve. I’m happy though that we’re strong offensively.”

 

Rohr also had good words for stand-in goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi who he claimed fought early nerves to have a good game.

 

“Daniel had a good game; you can’t blame him for the goal. He was nervous early on but he grew into the game and did well for us.”

Super Eagles Coach Rohr: “I will build my team around Mikel”.

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Nigeria Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has stated boldly, without mincing words, that he is going to have his team built around Chelsea FC midfielder – JOHN OBI MIKEL against Algeria. He made this known ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier between Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Desert Foxes of Algeria.

 

There were doubts over John Obi Mikel’s fitness, due to the fact that he has been left out of  Chelsea’s first team  this season by Chelsea’s new manager Antonio Conte,  but Super Eagles coach Rohr insists that the player is in good shape and is fit to play the match.

The German said Mikel’s problem  at  Chelsea began after he represented Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where Nigeria won a bronze medal.

He said, “Mikel is currently being punished at Chelsea because of his outing for the Nigerian U-23 team at the last Olympics in Brazil.

“He has not featured under the new coach – Antonio Conte, since then. But I will still build  the team playing against Algeria around him because he is in a  good shape and fit for the match.

“Besides, Mikel is committed to the national team and he is a source of motivation to the other players.”

READ ALSO: I can function anywhere in Rohr’s formation – Moses

He says although the Algerians have a good team, the Eagles are focused on winning the encounter.

Mikel said he will not allow his  current  situation at Chelsea to affect his performance in  the match, adding that a win would boost the team’s chances of getting the sole ticket from the group.

Nigeria Super Eagles in Training

Although there have  been  cases of injuries  in the team,  Mikel said the development  would not affect them.

Asked whether he would still remain at Chelsea if his current situation persists, Mikel said everything would depend on what happens between now and January when he would take a decision.

“Give me any role, I will deliver”, Victor Moses tells Rohr.

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Victor Moses says he will play any position on the field to help the Super Eagles to victory over Algeria’s Desert Foxes in their Russia 2018 World Cup Group B qualifier in Uyo on Saturday.

Moses has nailed down a regular first-team role at Chelsea after the Blues’ Italian manager Antonio Conte made him an integral part of his plans, deploying the 25-year-old Nigeria winger in his 3-4-3 system as a wing-back. The system has seen the 2012 UEFA Champions League champions picking up maximum points in five Premier League games on the spin.

Moses, who represented Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, said on Thursday he would play any role given him by Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr in the tricky Uyo clash.

“I can’t say I’m not happy playing as a wing-back, I’m the type who gives his all to his team regardless of where I’m playing from,” the South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner told reporters.

“I’m a forward minded player but I don’t mind playing anywhere to help my team.”

The former Wigan player added, “Club side and national team are not the same. I can’t say where the manager will play me but I’m ready to give my best in any role.”

On his part, Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi predicted a tough game against Algeria.

“Any side playing against Nigeria these days tend to raise their game so we know the task ahead of us,” the Turkey-based player said.

“We don’t want to talk too much in the press but just focus on what we have to do.”

He added, “We don’t need to speak too much but we will try to concentrate on ourselves.

“We also want Nigerians to know that the game against Algeria on Saturday is not going to be easy.”

Meanwhile, Algeria forward Riyad Mahrez says the Desert Foxes will run out winners at the Uyo Stadium on Saturday.

“We will make the necessary efforts to snatch this qualification and it will pass by a victory against Nigeria. We are determined more than ever to go home with victory because we have a team of brother warriors and we will prove it on the field to make our people proud of Algeria,” the Leicester City winger wrote on his Facebook page.

The PFA Player of the Year award winner, who is on the 30-man shortlist for the 2016 Ballon d’Or after scoring 17 goals and claiming 11 assists on Leicester’s way to the Premier League title last season, is expected to give Nigeria defenders a torrid time.

Rohr dispels Ideye, Balogun, Shehu Abdullahi injury worries.

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Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has assured Nigerians that Leon Balogun, Brown Ideye and Shehu Abdullahi, who did not train with the rest of the team yesterday morning, will be ready for the country’s crucial Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo on Saturday.

Rohr described as minor the injuries that kept the trio out of the training session, saying that they were excused from the exercise as a precautionary measure.

He said Balogun and Abdullahi has minor knocks, while Ideye is nursing a slight knee injury, which would be alright by today.

“We came for light work out today just for the players to recover after weekend games and long travels and as you can see, only three players are still being expected to join the team and hopefully all of them will join us this night. As for the three who did not participate fully in the training this morning, it is not important injuries, we are only taking precautions.

“They will be ready to train tomorrow, the doctor has assured me, so there is no problem with the team. We shall start full training tomorrow morning and I am confident that every of the invited players will take part. We are gearing up and the players are aware of the task,” he told the press corps at the end of the session.

The Franco-German assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles will be ready to battle Algeria to submission, that task would be made easier if all stakeholders worked together for that purpose.

“We are preparing to play Algeria, who are ranked number one in Africa and you all know it is not going to be easy. But we confident and we shall be ready for them. We have our game plan and hopefully, we shall get the three points on Saturday,” he said.

The arrival of Portugal-based duo of Dele Alampasu and Oghenekaro Etebo yesterday brought the number of players in camp to 22.

5 things we learnt from Zambia vs Nigeria – Ifreke Inyang

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria began their quest to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with a gritty 2-1 win over Zambia in Ndola on Sunday. But beyond the final result, what else did we learn?

Carl-ing on a pair of safe hands

So when Vincent Enyeama announced he was retiring from international football last year, there was almost a national day of mourning. But in the matches he has played, his replacement Carl Ikeme, has put in very fine displays. And the result on Sunday could have been different, if not for some of his excellent stops.

In Troost we trust

Gernot Rohr could have easily named William Troost-Ekong as the only defender in the team. He was a man mountain. Immense, quick and dedicated to snuffing danger. Kenneth Omeruo was all over for the place for Collins Mbesuma’s goal and the full-backs. No, let’s not talk about them.

The England boys

In the first half when the Super Eagles played some of their best football, there were two standout performers – Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi. It was the Arsenal man who opened scoring, with a sublime volley, while Iheanacho showed great composure to put Nigeria into a two-goal lead.

Captain Obi reporting for duty

Once again, John Mikel Obi, was an irrepressible presence in the centre of midfield for Nigeria. The Chelsea man, who is yet to feature under Antonio Conte, seems to be relishing wearing that armband for his country. He was denied a goal in the encounter by the Zambian goalkeeper.

They continue to roar under Rohr

It’s two in two for the German. And in both games, one can easily see what he is trying to do. The Eagles don’t look leggy and laboured anymore. There is more combination play and you feel with a few more tweaks here and there, Rohr will soon present to us a national team we can boast about again.

‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke

‘I Can Qualify Nigeria To World Cup, I Have The Heart Of A Winner ‘ – New Super Eagles Technical adviser Rohr says

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Gernot Rohr, who was on Tuesday confirmed by the NFF as Super Eagles new technical adviser says he believes he can qualify Nigeria to the Russia 2018 World Cup and even take the country to the latter stages of the tournament.

“I am enthusiastic to get to work. This is a big challenge because Nigeria has big players everywhere and has the ability to do well internationally.


‘ he told the NFF official website. “I have a German heart – the heart of a winner,” 
“I have confidence that with the right atmosphere and the right support, the Super Eagles have the capacity not only to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, but get to the latter stages of the competition.”
NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, happy with the German’s appointment on a two year deal said;

“We are happy that this has been sealed and we can now focus on other arrangements for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in October,”