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Ex-Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr recalls Minister Sunday Dare’s unprofessional demand
By: Monsurah Olatunji
Former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, recalled one of the extraordinary experiences he encountered while managing the Super Eagles for over five years.
The former Bayern Munich player enjoyed a coaching career with various African clubs and nations, beginning with Tunisia club Étoile Sportive du Sahel in 2008 before serving as the technical director for national teams in Gabon, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
In 2016, he assumed the role of Nigeria’s head coach in 2016 and went on to become the longest-serving manager in the history of the West African side after spending an impressive five years in the saddle.
While in charge, the German tactician opened up on how the Nigerian Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, unexpectedly showed up at one of his team’s training sessions and threatened to sack him over rejecting his participation.
“Two years ago in Nigeria, suddenly, the Minister of Sports showed up at the training with 40 or 50 journalists and wanted to participate,” Rohr recounted to FC Bayern media.
“I was perplexed. My assistant told me that we had to let him participate; otherwise, we would all be sacked the next day. Without further ado, we organized a rondo for him, and everything went well.”
During his spell, Rohr orchestrated several memorable moments, including securing early qualification for the 2018 World Cup and guiding the team to a bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt.
His tenure ended in 2021on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon and he has since taken charge of the Benin national team.
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