Gernot Rohr, former Super Eagles gaffer has listed his achievement as the coach of the team, adding that NFF is a notorious debtor
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has described Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as a notorious debtor, who doesn’t settle the severances of its coaches before sacking them.
Rohr was sacked after a series of poor results in the World Cup qualifier, after five years and four months on the job, making him the longest-serving coach in the history of the country.
The President of the NFF has however said he was relieved of his appointment because of abysmal performances and losing control of the dressing room.
In an interview with ESPN, the 68-year-old said he took a 20 percent pay cut as part of his contributions in helping his former employer to cope with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
ALSO READ: Rohr contradicts Pinnick, says he didn’t lose control of the dressing room
He also debunked the allegation that he took money from players to call them to the national team, insisting he was never in Nigeria because of money.
“No, never,” Rohr responded when asked if anyone ever offered him money to invite a player.
“They know me in Africa and Europe for a long time that I’m part of these people who can never be corrupted. My reputation is there. To take one player to help him in some clubs is something we did, but only in the interest of Nigerian football, only to help the players, and never for money.
“If I was in Nigeria for money, I could have left a long time ago. Instead, I proposed a 20 percent cut in my salary because of the pandemic. But even then, the salary is not always coming — and still not coming”
The German tactician also accused NFF of being a notorious debtor, who sacks coaches without any contingency plan to pay their severance benefits or the money they are owing them.
“I’m surprised to see how Nigeria treats their coach. It’s not only for me; it’s also for other coaches. We’re not paid and we’re sacked.” he said.
Speaking further, Rohr listed his achievements when he was in charge of the Super Eagles, he added that he was proud of his time in charge.
“Opinions are not all the same but everybody will see the facts.
“The facts are that we came from No. 67 in the world to No. 36, from No.13 in Africa to No.5. And we will be in the top five (in Africa) for the World Cup draw, which is very important for the playoffs.
“We had a wonderful professional relationship, and the human relationships also will be forever.
“We did all we had to do in the interest of Nigeria, and we are proud about that. We found young goalkeepers who will be here for perhaps 10 years. We found young wingers, we found new defenders.
“We helped our captain [Ahmed Musa] get the record of more than 103 games for his country. We produced the top goal scorers in the last AFCON and the qualifiers also.” Gernot Rohr said.
He added: “So, five wonderful years and four months, and I thank [NFF president] Amaju Pinnick, who gave me the chance to work in this country. I will forget the end. What happened this last year was not easy, but now I hope that everybody will be correct and can live like friends.”