By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo.
Super Eagle new Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr said Nigeria’s qualification for Russia 2018 World Cup can be achieved with hard work and commitment from all stakeholders adding that despite the tough group Nigeria is in, the country has quality players to qualify from the group.
Rohr who spoke at a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday said he is favourably disposed towards giving all Nigerian players the opportunity to showcase themselves and bring football glory to the country, adding that he would ensure good team ethics, organisation and discipline in the team.
He expressed readiness to bring back former team Captain Vincent Enyema into the team stressing that he has known the former Eagles Captain during his sojourn in Africa, hence has confidence in his ability.
“I have personally called him and I think we will need him after this weekend’s match. I am working to have all our players available for subsequent matches” he said.
Enyema retired from the Super Eagles last year after a bust up with former Eagles handler Sunday Oliseh.
Asked how prepared he is to bear the inconsistencies of the NFF, he said he had worked in more difficult conditions but expressed satisfaction with the commitment and honesty so far demonstrated by the leadership of the football house.
He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the local players at the last invitational tourney in Spain saying that he has already pencilled down two of them for the Eagles.
The new Super Eagle Technical Adviser, who also reiterated his desire to live in the country, however said that this would not preclude him monitoring the performance of Nigerian players within and outside the country.
“I am ready to live in Nigeria but they are yet to get a house for me yet.” He said.
On his part, Eagles Captain, John Obi Mikel expressed sadness over Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the 2017 AFCON but called on all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to see Nigeria qualify for the next World Cup.
“All of us need to share in the blame of our non qualification and not only the players but we have resolved to put that behind us and work towards getting our preparations right to be in Russia.” He said.
The Super Eagles defeated Akwa United of Uyo 3-0 in last Wednesday friendly and would confront the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Saturday’s inconsequential AFCON qualifier at the Godawill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
