SUPER Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed that he intends to renew his contract with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) so he can enable the team qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2023 World Cup.
Mr Rohr’s existing contract expires in June and over recent months, he and the NFF have been involved in contractual discussions about renewing it. NFF chairman Amaju Pinnick, has inserted several clauses in the new contract, insisting that the coach lives in Nigeria, gets paid in naira, pays tax and monitors the local league to scout for talent.
There had been some doubt as to whether the two sides could reach agreement, especially as Mr Rohr received offers from other national teams. However, it appears that the Franco-German coach will now remain with Nigeria after Mr Pinnick said they had reached a deal and the contract extension papers with conditions will be sent to Mr Rohr next week, for him to study.
Mr Pinnick stated that the contract entailed that the coach would be paid in naira and would have to be domiciled in the country and monitor games of the Nigeria Professional Football League. Despite the conditions, Mr Rohr insists his aim is to continue with the national team and help the Eagles qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2023 World Cup.
Mr Rohr said: “I want to finish my work in Nigeria, I want to go to the next African Cup of nations and World Cup, which means we must continue working together. I want to show my players and employers that I have the motivation to continue.
“I don’t want more money, I don’t want more bonuses, I don’t want anything special. I only want to work as free as I could. I have to speak with my assistants because I have to pay them all from my salary.”
He insisted that staying in Nigeria was not a problem, saying he had lived more in the country over the last three years. Mr Rohr confirmed that in the time he has been with Nigeria, he has turned down several job opportunities.
