Three time African champions Nigeria have ended their over five-year relationship with Franco-German tactician Gernot Rohr, the Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed.This development comes with just under one month left before the postponed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) commences on 9th January to 6th February 2021.Despite progressing to the Qatar 2022 World Cup African playoffs, a home loss to Central African Republic, ranked 124 in the world, and a nervy home draw against Cape Verde in the final game of the series, left the coach under immense pressure from the passionate team followers.“The relationship between the Nigeria Football Federation and Mr Rohr has come to an end. We thank him for his services to the Super Eagles and Nigeria. This is with immediate effect, and follows the termination of the relationship with Franco-German Gernot Rohr, who has been in charge of the three –time African champions for the past 64 months, and is Nigeria’s longest –serving manager.” General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Official Instagram Page,NFF (@thenffofficial) On an interim basis, former Nigeria captain Augustine Equavoen was appointed to take charge of the team as the team negins its preparations for the 33rd AFCON taking place in Cameroon, and until the appointment of a substantive head coach.Eguavoen has previous experience managing the Nigerian national team as he was coach of the squad when it finished in third place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2006. He was on-field captain when the Super Eagles lifted the Africa Cup for the first time on away ground, in Tunisia 27 years ago.“The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Mr Augustine Eguavoen, currently its Technical Director, as the Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles on an interim basis. Following a virtual meeting of the NFF Executive Committee on Sunday, it was decided that Eguavoen will work with Salisu Yusuf (Chief Coach); Paul Aigbogun (Assistant Coach); Joseph Yobo (Assistant Coach); Dr Terry Eguaoje (Assistant Coach) and Aloysius Agu (Goalkeeper Trainer). Former Nigeria captain Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Garba Lawal have been appointed to provide technical and ambassadorial support for the crew,” the statement read.Gernot Rohr’s records :53 games28 wins13 draws13 Losses2x Afcon ( qualified) 1 FIFA World Cup ( qualified)1 Afcon Bronze.A pass mark for the longest serving Super Eagles coach. pic.twitter.com/xAs5yMzpEc— What A Rush! (@iamMightyGeorge) December 13, 2021
