The President of Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick has backed Gernot Rohr to remain in his position as the head coach of Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Rohr’s future has dominated the media following the Super Eagles’ disappointing outing against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone during matchday two and three of the 2022 African Cup of Nations.
Many however thought Rohr could finally be axed from his post, after Sports Minister, Sunday Dare hinted in a social media post that the former Gabon boss’s suitability for the team is questionable.
Pinnick admitted the recent results aren’t good enough, but he said Rohr deserved to keep his job.
“Nobody is happy about what happened against Sierra Leone in both matches,” Pinnick told BBC.
“But it is not enough to sack the coach because his team is still top of the Nations Cup group after four matches.
“His statistics speak volume for him, so on what indexes do we want to sack him considering the contract recently signed by both parties.
“No matter how emotional and disappointed the fans are, there’s no basis to sack him now and he deserves to keep his job.”
Rohr was employed in 2016 and has managed 80 matches, winning 29 matches, drew 14, and lost 10, including leading Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup and also won the bronze medal at the 2019 African cup of Nations in Egypt.
“When you look at his performance, where he has won 29 matches, drew 14, and lost 10, you can say that is enough to back him,” said Pinnick.
“Yes, the performance in the last two games has not gone down well with some people, but we need to be professional, honest, and respectful in how we analyze things.” He concluded.
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