Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has expressed his confidence in the abilities of his compatriot, Bruno Labbadia, who was recently appointed as the head coach of the Nigerian national football team.
Labbadia, 58, was officially named the Super Eagles coach on Tuesday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), becoming the sixth German to manage the three-time African champions.
Rohr, who led the Super Eagles from 2016 to 2021, had high praise for Labbadia, describing him as a “very good coach” with extensive experience in the Bundesliga, Germany’s top football division.
Speaking to SCORENigeria, Rohr said, “He’s a very good coach, I hope he’s well treated by the NFF and Nigerian fans.
“He has experience in the Bundesliga, and I hope he quickly finds his way in Nigeria, which is a different environment.”
Labbadia’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Nigeria prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches.
The new coach will face a significant test early in his tenure when the Super Eagles go up against the Cheetahs of Benin on September 7 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
This match has garnered additional interest because Gernot Rohr, who now coaches the Benin national team, will be leading the opposition.
Rohr, despite his supportive words for Labbadia, made it clear that he is not planning to go easy on his fellow countryman in the upcoming AFCON qualifier.
“I wish him all the best, but not against us [Benin],” Rohr said with a smile. The former Super Eagles coach emphasised the competitive nature of the game and expressed his desire to secure another victory over Nigeria, having led Benin to their first-ever win against the Super Eagles in June during a match in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Labbadia, who has had a varied coaching career in Germany, is known for his ability to stabilize teams and guide them through difficult periods.
He has managed several clubs in the Bundesliga, including Hamburger SV, VfB Stuttgart, and Hertha BSC.
His experience in handling top-tier teams in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues is expected to be a valuable asset as he takes on the challenge of leading Nigeria’s national team.
The Super Eagles are one of Africa’s most successful football teams, having won the Africa Cup of Nations three times, in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
However, the team has faced challenges in recent years, including inconsistent performances in major tournaments and a need for rebuilding.
Gernot Rohr’s time with the Super Eagles was marked by both successes and setbacks.
He led the team to qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished in third place. H
owever, his tenure was also marred by criticisms over team selection, tactical approaches, and a perceived lack of flair in the team’s playing style.
In December 2021, Rohr was dismissed by the NFF following a string of underwhelming performances, leading to the appointment of interim coaches before Labbadia’s recent arrival.
