Super Eagles: 5 talking points from Gernot Rohr's press conference on Friday

Rohr faced the media in his first press conference in Nigeria after the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr addressed the media on Friday, August 24, his first since the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Rohr arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday and on Wednesday, he inspected the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna as they seek to find a new home for the Super Eagles.

At the Lagos office of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Rohr addressed the press and these are five talking points from the press conference.

1. Super Eagles squad for Seychelles

 

At the press conference on Thursday, Rohr announced a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Seychelles.

Rohr retained most of his players from the 2018 FIFA World squad with only Victor Moses, Mikel John Obi, Tyronne Ebuehi and Elderson Echiejile missing.

There are three spaces for first-time call-ups in the squad.

2.  Super Eagles to play Saudi Arabia on September 11

Rohr revealed that the NFF are planning a friendly against Saudi Arabia for the Super Eagles. According to the Super Eagles boss, the game would be played on Tuesday, September 11 after the 2019 AFCON qualifier against Seychelles.

3. Schedule for Seychelles game

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will not be camping in Nigeria for the game against Seychelles. Instead, the players will fly straight to Seychelles from their base.

4. Rohr not pleased with a stable home ground for Super Eagles

Rohr during his press conference expressed his displeasure at the failure of the Federal Government to get a stable home ground for the Super Eagles.

Since he took over the Super Eagles job, the national team have played all but one of their home games in Uyo. The other one, a friendly game against DR Congo in May 2018.

"It is regrettable that the Super Eagles does not have a home ground for matches, I have worked in several African countries and National teams play in the capital. The last time I checked, the Abuja stadium was unplayable. Nigeria deserves better,” Rohr said at the press conference.

5. Salisu won’t be part of the game against Seychelles

 

Super Eagles boss Rohr revealed that his assistant Salisu Yusuf won’t be part of the Super Eagles coaching crew for the game at Seychelles as the coach is still under investigation for alleged corruption.

Yusuf is under NFF’s investigation after he was filmed collecting money from reporters posing as agents who wanted their players picked for the 2018 African Nations Championships (CHAN).

6. Rohr rejected big money offers to remain Super Eagles coach

At the press conference, Rohr also said that he rejected a lot of offers from other countries after the 2018 World Cup so he could remain Super Eagles boss.

“I got good offers from countries who were at the World Cup, but in the end, I decided I want to continue working here in Nigeria,” Rohr said during his interaction with the media.

7. Carl Ikeme to join Super Eagles coaching crew

 

Rohr also confirmed revealed that former goalkeeper Carl Ikeme will join the Super Eagles crew.

Although it won’t be immediate, Rohr said Ikeme will join the coaching crew very soon.