Russia 2018: It’s World Cup ticket or I quit

Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr says he will not stay a day longer in Nigeria if he fails to secure the Russia 2018 World Cup ticket.

Rohr while speaking on Monday Night Football, a programme on Supersports noted that the key to his stay in Nigeria revolves on ensuring Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup.

“If Nigeria fails to qualify for the World Cup, I will take a walk. It is a challenge and I accept it. Our real focus is to qualify the Super Eagles for the Russia 2018 World Cup and that must be fulfilled.

“The technical crew have been wonderful, the players are eager to represent their country and have assured that getting the World Cup ticket is a task that has to be accomplished.

“Because of the commitment of the players, some of the players even paid their ticket to represent their country. That is the kind of focus and confidence the players have and it is heartwarming.”

While playing down on the issue of the NFF not meeting its obligation in terms of his salary, Rohr stated that delay in paying salaries is not peculiar to Nigeria.

“I have worked in other countries in Africa and I know that they also have such problems. I have confidence in the NFF that they would put things right but that is not the most important issue. Getting to the World Cup remains the focus. As far as I am concerned all other problems are secondary.

“My assistants need to be in the right frame of minds to give me their best and I am glad the NFF has also taken care of their dues.”

On the issue of players in the team, the coach stated that he had found young players that would give their best noting that Nigeria has good players that can play for the Super Eagles but that it does not guarantee they would have an automatic place in the team.

“It is good to have a pool of talented players for the World Cup qualifiers and other competitions. At the left and right full backs, we have players like Ola Aina who was with us in London. He is young and talented. The other one is 19-year old Tyronne Egbuehi. He is quick. That aside, my assistants are also keeping an eye in the home league for players in these positions. I am waiting for their recommendations.

“Though, getting players in these positions are hard to come by but we’re bent on solving this. There is also Abdullahi Nura who is with AS Roma and he is ready to play for Nigeria. We’ll work with him. With these players, we are sure to have a solution in the defence.”

“For the midfield, we have Wilfred Ndidi and our captain Mikel who is in China. And I prefer a situation where he is playing regularly than remaining on the bench in Europe. Same goes for Odion Ighalo and Brown Ideye. They must play for their shirts as there is no permanent shirt for any player.”

On the call for NPFL players making the Super Eagles, the Franco-German tactician said he believes there are good players in the league but insists that there is a lot of work to be done beginning with the players themselves.

“Nigeria is one of the best football countries in the world but facilities must be improved upon to help the performance of the players.”

Reacting to the question of Nigeria not playing quality friendly matches, Coach Rohr said Nigeria has reached a bilateral agreement with Germany that will see her play against Germany but pointed out that the time is not right yet.

“We have a crucial game against Cameroon and Algeria in the race for the World Cup 2018 World Cup as well the AFCON 2019 qualifiers. When we’re done, we’ll play those matches.”