Gernot Rohr sends message to new Super Eagles coach Bruno Labbadia
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has extended his best wishes to his German counterpart, Bruno Labbadia, as he prepares to lead Nigeria in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers next month.
Rohr, who guided the Super Eagles to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, was dismissed just before the AFCON 2021 tournament in Cameroon. Since then, he has taken up the managerial role with Nigeria’s neighbors, Benin Republic. Now, his fellow German, Labbadia, has been appointed to steer the Super Eagles.
The two will face off when Nigeria takes on Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo next month. While Rohr expressed his support for Labbadia’s new role, he made it clear that victory against his Benin side would be an exception.
READ MORE:Â Why German manager should succeed as Super Eagles coach
“Bruno Labbadia is a very good coach. Congrats to the Super Eagles for finding such a coach. I hope he will be well-treated by the NFF and Nigerian football fans. He has a lot of experience from the Bundesliga. This is his first time coaching a national team, but he will quickly adapt to the environment in Nigeria. He will have his first match in Uyo against Benin Republic; we will meet very soon. My first match with Nigeria was also in Uyo in 2016, and it was a very nice place. I wish him all the best, but not against us,” Rohr said in quotes shared by Brila.
Bruno Labbadia, who most recently managed VfB Stuttgart during the 2022/2023 Bundesliga season, will be looking to make a strong start with the Super Eagles. During his time with Stuttgart, Labbadia averaged 0.75 points per game.
The upcoming AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Benin Republic is set to be a highly anticipated clash, with both Rohr and Labbadia having a deep understanding of the game and a strong determination to lead their teams to victory.
