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
Breaking: Virgil van Dijk signs new contract at Liverpool
Breaking: Virgil van Dijk signs new contract at Liverpool
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two years contract that has now put an end to the questions about his future after months of speculation.
The 33-year-old Dutch center-back had been inside the final season of his previous deal, which was due to expire in the summer of 2025. But he has now penned an extension seven years after arriving from Southampton in a $95m (£75m/€90m) switch.
Van Dijk, who was named Liverpool captain when Jordan Henderson moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023, has played almost 300 games for the Reds.
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He has already won the Premier League and the Champions League.
Van Dijk always wanted to remain on Merseyside. “My very full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else,” he told reporters including from Liverpool.com in October.
“What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see. I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.
“Discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys [the media] will know it as well. But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.”
Breaking: Virgil van Dijk signs new contract at Liverpool
Sports
Arsenal stun Real Madrid to reach first UCL semi-final in 16 years
Arsenal stun Real Madrid to reach first UCL semi-final in 16 years
Arsenal pulled off a historic victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, defeating Real Madrid 2-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate, to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.
Mikel Arteta’s men delivered a composed and clinical performance in the Spanish capital. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the second half, redeeming himself after missing an earlier penalty. Vinícius Júnior responded with a goal for Madrid, offering the hosts a glimmer of hope.
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But Gabriel Martinelli sealed the deal with a late winner, ensuring Arsenal ended Real Madrid’s hopes of defending their title.
The Gunners now advance to face Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final clash.
Arsenal stun Real Madrid to reach first UCL semi-final in 16 years
Sports
U-20 AFCON: Nigeria drawn in Group B with Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya
U-20 AFCON: Nigeria drawn in Group B with Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Kenya, and Morocco for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The new groupings were announced on Sunday following a fresh draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Cairo, Egypt.
This comes after Cote d’Ivoire withdrew as hosts, prompting Egypt to step in as the new venue for the tournament.
The seven-time champions, Nigeria, will kick off their campaign against Tunisia on Sunday, April 28.
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Group A features host nation Egypt, along with South Africa, Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Tanzania.
Defending champions Senegal will compete in Group C, where they face the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ghana.
The tournament officially begins on Saturday, April 27, with the hosts Egypt squaring off against South Africa in the opening fixture.
U-20 AFCON: Nigeria drawn in Group B with Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya
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