Sports
Rohr’s job not on the line – Pinnick
- He remains one of Nigeria’s worst coaches, says Aiyegbeni
The Nigeria Football Federation says there is no immediate plan to sack Coach Gernot Rohr despite the poor outings of the Super Eagles in recent matches.
Former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has labeled Gernot Rohr as one of the ‘worst coaches’ in Super Eagles history and questioned some of the credentials of the current crop of players.
In the recent Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifiers, Nigeria squandered a four-goal lead in a 4-4 draw at home to Sierra Leone and later played a 0-0 stalemate in the reverse fixture away to the Leone Stars in Freetown.
Nigeria still tops Group L despite the results in the qualification for Cameroon 2022.
NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said notwithstanding the pressure on the football house, Rohr would not be sacked.
His reaction followed Sports Minister Sunday Dare’s social media comment questioning the ‘suitability and competence’ of the coach on the back of the 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture.
“Nobody is happy about what happened against Sierra Leone in both matches,” Pinnick told BBC Sport Africa
“But it is not enough to sack the coach because his team is still top of the Nations Cup group after four matches.
“His statistics speak volume for him. So, on what indexes do we want to sack him considering the contract recently signed by both parties?
“No matter how emotional and disappointed the fans are, there’s no basis to sack him now and he deserves to keep his job.”
Rohr, 67, was appointed coach of the three-time African champions in August 2016 and led them to a third place finish at the 2019 African Cup of Nations – after the team had missed back to back tournaments in 2015 and 2017.
But he has faced criticism over tactics and choice of players from the local media, former players and disappointed fans.
However, Pinnick backed the German to lead the West African nation to the delayed continental showpiece event in 2022 and the World Cup in Qatar same year, as agreed in his recently extended two-year contract.
“When you look at his performance, where he has won 29 matches, drew 14 and lost 10, you can say that is enough to back him,” said Pinnick.
“Yes, the performance in the last two games has not gone down well with some people, but we need to be professional, honest and respectful in how we analyse things.”
But Aiyegbeni believes Rohr is unfit for the hot-seat and has backed the call to relinquish him of the job.
He said, “The coach is not good enough, let him go,” said Aiyegbeni on Lagos Talks as reported by Goal.com.
He added, “Some of the boys are not good enough, I don’t know where they are bringing them from. Who is inviting these players?”
The former Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Middlesbrough, Leicester City and Portsmouth forward also said, “Our football is getting worse every day. When I was there, people criticised us, but we’re way better than these ones.
“The coach is not good enough, no clue. Gernot Rohr is one of the worst coaches in our history. He is not good enough.”
Sports
Casemiro Set to Leave Manchester United as Contract Nears Expiry
Casemiro Set to Leave Manchester United as Contract Nears Expiry
Manchester United have confirmed that Casemiro will leave Old Trafford at the end of the 2025/26 season, marking the end of the Brazilian midfielder’s four-year spell with the club.
The decision follows United’s choice not to activate the one-year extension clause in Casemiro’s contract, as the club moves ahead with a squad rebuild aimed at reducing wages and refreshing the midfield. The 33-year-old joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 and quickly became a key figure in the dressing room and on the pitch.
In an emotional message to fans, Casemiro thanked the club and supporters for their backing, saying he would carry “eternal respect” for Manchester United while remaining fully committed for the rest of the season.
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During his time at United, Casemiro made over 140 appearances, scoring crucial goals and playing a central role in the club’s recent silverware, including the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. His leadership and experience were particularly vital during United’s return to the UEFA Champions League.
The Brazilian’s exit comes amid wider changes at the club, with Manchester United planning a summer midfield revamp as they push to remain competitive domestically and in Europe. Reports suggest Casemiro could attract interest from Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer (MLS) or a return to Brazil, where his experience remains highly valued.
Despite his impending departure, United sources say Casemiro is focused on finishing the campaign strongly as the club battles for Premier League positioning and European qualification.
Casemiro Set to Leave Manchester United as Contract Nears Expiry
Sports
Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré
Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré
Former African football icon Yaya Touré has described Nigeria’s Super Eagles as the most impressive team at AFCON 2025, praising their attacking quality, discipline and consistency throughout the tournament in Morocco.
The former Ivory Coast captain said Nigeria stood out among the continent’s best despite failing to reach the final, noting that the Super Eagles combined exciting attacking football with strong organisation at the back. According to Touré, Nigeria’s style of play and overall impact made them his top performers at the tournament.
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Under head coach Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles enjoyed a strong AFCON campaign, winning the majority of their matches and emerging as one of the highest-scoring teams at the competition. Nigeria reached the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to hosts Morocco on penalties, before defeating Egypt to secure the bronze medal.
Touré’s praise adds to the growing recognition Nigeria has received following AFCON 2025. The team’s impressive run also contributed to an improvement in their FIFA ranking, reinforcing optimism around the squad ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
As celebrations continue back home, Touré’s endorsement has further strengthened the belief that the Super Eagles are firmly back among Africa’s elite football nations, with a promising future on both the continental and global stage.
Super Eagles Most Impressive Team at AFCON 2025 – Yaya Touré
Sports
Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1
Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1
Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid delivered a ruthless performance to thrash AS Monaco 6–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, sending a strong statement in the UEFA Champions League and easing pressure after recent domestic setbacks.
The French superstar wasted no time against his former club, opening the scoring early before adding a second inside the first half to take his Champions League goals tally into double figures this season. His sharp finishing set the tone for a dominant night in Madrid.
Vinícius Júnior was equally influential, tormenting the Monaco defence with pace and creativity. The Brazilian capped his display with a fine goal and an assist, while Jude Bellingham added his name to the scoresheet late on as Madrid ran riot.
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Further goals came through teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono and a Thilo Kehrer own goal, highlighting Monaco’s defensive collapse. The visitors managed only a consolation strike, offering little resistance as Madrid controlled possession and tempo throughout.
The emphatic victory lifts Real Madrid into a strong position in the Champions League standings, keeping them firmly on course for automatic qualification to the knockout stage. For Monaco, the heavy defeat leaves their European hopes hanging by a thread.
The result also marks a positive start under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, with Madrid fans buoyed by one of the club’s most complete performances of the season as the race for European glory intensifies.
Mbappé Nets Brace as Real Madrid Demolish Monaco 6–1
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