Rohr Points Out Yobo’s Unsuitability For Eagles Job

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Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has highlighted Joseph Yobo’s glaring lack of coaching qualifications following the surprise appointment of the former national team captain as Imama Amapakabo’s replacement as Rohr’s assistant. 

Yobo was named by the Nigeria Football Federation as Amapakabo’s replacement on Wednesday.

Amapakabo was relieved of his position following a disastrous spell in charge of the home-based Eagles and the U23 national team that saw both teams fail to qualify for the 2020 CHAN and the Tokyo Olympics respectively.

Rohr while confirming he was informed of the decision before it was made public, implied that he was far from pleased with the Federation’s decision to sack Amapakabo given the close working relationship both men shared.

But he was powerless to do anything given that the terms of his contract allowed the NFF the power to appoint one assistant coach for his backroom staff. 

“The NFF has the right to pick one assistant coach for my staff, so they are the ones to communicate the reasons for the appointment, not myself,” Rohr told football journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.

“I was informed by Amaju Pinnick, in a telephone call, before it was made public. I don’t know why Amapakabo has been removed. I worked very well with him. He did a very good job with me.

“I regret his departure. But since the NFF have the right to take this decision, there is nothing that I can do about it,” he added.

Yobo is a bonafide Super Eagles legend holding the joint-record for the most appearances with 101 caps alongside goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

He also represented the country in three FIFA World Cups and was captain of the 2013 Nations Cup-winning squad.

Despite a stellar playing career that saw him turn out for reputable European sides like Marseille and Everton, Rohr suggested that Yobo may be unqualified for the role given his lack of coaching badges.

“I have the responsibility to develop coaches from Nigeria as agreed with NFF. I am more than happy to do that.

“Joseph Yobo is welcome to the team, of course. I have heard that he has no coaching diplomas, so I will talk to him about this.

“If what I have heard is correct, I will tell Yobo that he needs to do the training required to grow as a coach.”