‘Respect’ – Genot Rohr names Super Eagles players he admires
Gernot Rohr is eagerly anticipating the upcoming showdown between his Benin Republic team and Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
A well-known figure in Nigerian football, the head coach of the Benin Republic national team is thoroughly familiar with the remarkable talent within the Super Eagles.
Having previously managed the Nigerian squad, Rohr has expressed great respect for several players, particularly highlighting three who have made a significant impact on him.
As Nigeria gears up to face Benin Republic in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday, Rohr acknowledges the formidable challenge presented by Nigeria’s top talents.
One player he particularly admires is Ademola Lookman, who scored two goals that propelled Nigeria to a convincing 3-0 win over Benin in their last meeting.
Despite Lookman’s impressive performance against Benin, he recently experienced a frustrating moment when a goal against Rwanda was incorrectly ruled out. Rohr regards him as one of Africa’s exceptional talents and a serious contender for the African Player of the Year award.
Alongside Lookman, Rohr sings praises for Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon, reflecting fondly on the time he spent coaching them. Even with his admiration for these stars, Rohr jokingly hopes that Lookman won’t continue his scoring streak against Benin, especially after his standout display in their last encounter.
In a recent interview, Rohr remarked, “We see that in your list you have Victor Osimhen, Lookman, Moses Simon, and all the big strikers but I love these players because most of them were with me a few years ago. But I hope he won’t score against us this Thursday like he did in the last game in Uyo.”
As he prepares for the match, Rohr, who led Nigeria to several key milestones during his time as coach, understands the challenge that lies ahead, especially since Nigeria is just one point away from clinching a spot for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Rohr acknowledges Lookman’s recent success, which includes securing a Europa League berth with Atalanta and his near-win for the AFCON MVP award, making him a formidable rival on the pitch.
