Gernot Rohr, the former coach of the Super Eagles, claims he took a 20% pay cut to help the Nigeria Football Federation manage costs following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Franco-contract German’s with the three-time African champions was terminated by the NFF on Sunday, just weeks before the AFCON in Cameroon, after five years and four months with the team.
The team’s abysmal performances under Rohr were cited as the reason for his dismissal by NFF president Amaju Pinnick, who also stated that the 68-year-old failed to enforce discipline in the team.
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Rohr, for one, claimed that some officials tried to sway his selection of players.
The former Bordeaux manager claimed in an interview with ESPN that he was never in Nigeria for the money.
When asked if he had ever been offered money to invite a player, Rohr replied, “No, never.”
“They’ve known for a long time in Africa and Europe that I’m one of those people who can never be corrupted.” My reputation precedes me. We did take one player to assist him in some clubs, but only in the interest of Nigerian football, and only to assist the players, and never for financial gain.
“I could have left a long time ago if I was in Nigeria for money.” Instead, I proposed a 20% salary cut as a result of the pandemic. But even then, the salary isn’t always — and isn’t always — forthcoming.
“I’m surprised by Nigeria’s treatment of their coach.” It’s not just for me; it’s for other coaches as well. We haven’t been paid, and we’ve been fired.”
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Rohr went on to say that he was proud of his time as the Eagles’ head coach.
“Opinions differ, but the facts will be seen by everyone,” he added.
“The facts are that we went from 67th to 36th in the world, and from 13th to 5th in Africa.” We’ll also be in the top five (in Africa) for the World Cup draw, which will be crucial for the playoffs.
“We had a great professional relationship, and our human relationships will last a lifetime.”
“We did everything we could for Nigeria’s sake, and we are proud of it.” We found young goalkeepers who will be with us for at least the next ten years. We found new defenders and young wingers.
“We assisted our captain [Ahmed Musa] in breaking his country’s record of more than 103 games.” In the most recent AFCON, as well as the qualifiers, we produced the top goal scorers.
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“So, it’s been five wonderful years and four months, and I’m grateful to [NFF president] Amaju Pinnick for giving me the opportunity to work in this country.” I’m not going to remember what happened at the end. What happened in the last year was difficult, but now I hope that everyone will be right and that we can live together as friends.”
