The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied reports that the Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr threatened to ditch the national team.
Some online outlets reported on Wednesday that the German, who was barracked by fans and the media after Nigeria suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at the hands of one of their fierce rivals South Africa in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on June 10, had threatened to dump the Eagles because he was frustrated with how he was treated after the defeat.
According to the reports, the former Gabon manager may tender his resignation next week, sparking fears the development could jeopardise the country’s Russia 2018 World Cup qualification hopes.
But spokesman for the NFF Ademola Olajire dismissed the reports, saying “there’s nothing it”.
“It’s not true that the coach has threatened to resign,” Olajire told our correspondent on the telephone.
“He’s preparing for the World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon (in September) and we are supporting him.
“There’s nothing in the reports; there’s nothing like the coach resigning.”
Rohr is expected to visit Carl Ikeme, who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia, last Thursday and Victor Moses, who has undergone a toe surgery, in England.
Wolves shot-stopper Ikeme is a long-term absentee for the Eagles as he has begun chemotherapy, which could run for months.
However, Premier League winner Moses is expected to return to action in time for the crucial Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers against African champions Cameroon.
The Chelsea right wing-back has not featured for the Eagles since his brace against Algeria in November in a World Cup qualifier in Uyo last year. Nigeria defeated the North Africans 3-1.
“Rohr is on his way to England to visit both Ikeme and Victor Moses after their latest fitness concerns,” a source told SCORENigeria