Former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has blamed poor decision making by former Nigeria Football Federation president, Amaju Pinnick, as cause of the country’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
According to the German tactician, Pinnick’s decision to relieve him of his duties at the time was largely to blame for the outcome.
Daily Report Nigeria recalls that the 69-year-old was sacked as Super Eagles head coach in December 2021 following a string of poor performances.
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Rorh was replaced with NFF Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, on an interim basis and led the Eagles to a round of 16 finish at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nation.
Equavoen however, failed to qualify the Super Eagles for the World Cup billed for Qater as they were eliminated by Ghana on away-goal rule following a 1-1 draw in the second leg in Abuja, after the first leg ended goalless in Kumasi.
In an interview with Eagle7FM Sports Radio, Rohr said;
“Pinnick said my dismissal will avert a disaster, but in the end he created the disaster that cost Nigeria the ticket to the World Cup.
“I regret that I did not take my team to win the World Cup; I regret my players will not be at the World Cup even though they deserve to be there. It was not my decision; it was a decision by Pinnick and his board.
“He was punished for this as Nigeria lost the chance to win the AFCON and did not qualify for the World Cup. I hope he takes better decisions now as a member of the FIFA Council.”
Meanwhile, the Eagles will face World Portugal in an international friendly game at the Jose Alvalade Stadium on Thursday.
