Gernot Rohr – I have a good feeling about this job, my focus is to ensure Super Eagles can beat any team

Super Eagles Franco-German technical adviser Gernot Rohr has said he wants to strengthen the Nigerian team so they can be able to beat any other team but that first, he needs all his best players to play at their maximum best and avoid injury.

Speaking to theNFF during his courtesy visit to the NFF headquarters in Abujaon Tuesday, Rohr reiterated his belief that the Super Eagles can qualify for Russia 2018.

“We will need all our best players to be at their very best. We had a good list for the Tanzania match but a couple of players were injured and we will like to look at those ones as well.

The focus is to strengthen the spine of the team and ensure they can beat any team. The confidence has not been there because the team failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, but when results start to come, the confidence will return.”

“I have been well –received by my assistant, (Salisu) Yusuf as well as Imama (Amapakabo) and Alloy (Agu), and also by the backroom staff. To be received with so much warmth by the NFF Management means we are all on the same page and we can work together and live as a family.

“I have a very good feeling about this job and the people I have to work with. I am also happy that the first week went very well because the players were able to quickly imbibe our philosophy. We need to have solidarity all round. The Technical Committee members have also been great. Certainly, the National Technical Director also has a role to play. The ambience is impressive.”

NFF’s Secretary General Sanusi Mohammed iN turn promised to provide the necessary support to ensure Rohr is successful in his new role.

“We have immense confidence in you and your staff; we will not dabble into your technical area. Our responsibility is to provide the right atmosphere to make you succeed. We see that you are a gentleman but will not take your simplicity for granted.

“If you can work in a place like Niger Republic, I believe you would be able to work even better in Nigeria.”