Ex-Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has called on Nigeria’s Ministry of Sports to initiate a probe into the Nigerian Football Federation for Super Eagles’ inability to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup,
The Augustine Eguavoen tutored Eagles were eliminated on the away goals rule following a 1-1 draw with the Black Stars of Ghana in Abuja in the second leg of their play-off on Tuesday.
The 68-year-old Franco-German, whose contract was unceremoniously terminated by the NFF last December after a record-setting five years, four months and 10 days in charge of the three times African champions, also queried why he was sacked last December.
Rohr’s replacement, Eguavoen, who expectedly resigned his position three days ago, recorded four wins (against Coton Sports Garoua, Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau), two draws (against Ghana in the World Cup playoff) and a defeat (to Tunisia at the 2021 AFCON round of 16) in the three months he was in charge of the team.
Rohr during his stay as an Eagles tactician qualified the team for the 2018 World Cup in Russia as well as two consecutive Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 Egypt and 2021 Cameroon respectively.
“It was a big disappointment that the team (Eagles) could not qualify,” Rohr said.
“Nigeria had the better players, but it was not enough to qualify because they did not work collectively as a team. Those who are responsible for the team must be asked to speak about this disappointment and why I was sacked as well because I would have done better.
“My compassion is with the players, the staff and all the fans who are so passionate. Qatar 2022 was our target since the last World Cup in Russia. For most of them, the World Cup in Qatar was their last chance to play.
“At least reach the quarter-final of the World Cup and give Nigerian football a good image as we had in the last five years