Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has expressed strong support for Nigeria's new head coach, Bruno Labbadia highlighting his extensive Bundesliga experience as a valuable asset.
Labbadia officially took on the role of Super Eagles head coach on Tuesday, succeeding Finidi George. He will promptly oversee Nigeria's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, scheduled for early next month.
Rohr, who currently manages the Cheetahs of Benin, also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and fans to rally behind Labbadia as he adapts to the unique challenges of Nigerian football.
Rohr looks forward to exciting Bruno Labbadia encounter
In an interview reported by Brila FM, Rohr expressed his approval of Bruno Labbadia’s appointment as the new Super Eagles coach.
“Bruno Labbadia is a very good coach. Congrats to the Super Eagles for finding such a coach. I hope he will be well-treated by the NFF and Nigerian football fans.
“He had a lot of experience from Bundesliga; this is the first that is coming now in the national team, but he will quickly find his way and the kind of work which is a little bit different to adapt himself to the environment in Nigeria.”
The 71-year-old also expressed his excitement about Labbadia’s debut match, which will see him face Rohr's own team, Benin, in Uyo on September 7.
“He will have his first match in Uyo against Benin Republic, we will meet very soon. Like me, also, my first match was in Uyo in 2016 and it was a very nice place.
“We are happy to see him in this wonderful team who has the best players all over West Africa, so it will be a wonderful match. I wish him all the best but not against us.”
Rohr managed the Super Eagles from 2016 to 2021, qualifying them for the 2018 World Cup and leading them to a third-place finish at AFCON 2019.
