“Too many Germans in the squad”
Now the dismissal of a successful coach just four weeks before one of the most important tournaments is at least debatable anyway. But what followed can safely be judged as chaotic. First of all, the provisional 38-man squad for the Africa Cup – still organized by Rohr – was thinned out and modified. Rohr had always been accused of “too many Germans” behind closed doors.
So it was hardly surprising that shortly after Christmas, Kevin Akpoguma from Hoffenheim suddenly no longer appeared in the 40-man squad. Also the recently ailing Leon Balogun from Berlin, currently for the Glasgow Rangers on the way, was deleted. Naples striker Victor Osimhen, one of the greatest hopes, but also Rohr-Freund, will not play either. He canceled the Nigerian Association on New Year’s Eve. After an almost healed facial injury and corona infection, he did not feel mentally ready for action, he let the Nigerian officials know.
Striker nominated too late
For that Eguavoen and his people in Emmanuel Dennis had from Watford FC but quickly ready a replacement attacker who is in top shape. It’s just a shame: he was nominated too late and a corresponding email was sent to his club too late – Watford is now not approving him for the tournament.
Eguavoen will now have to deal with the reactivated Odion Ighalo and the Berlin Taiwo Awoniyi in attack at the tournament in Cameroon. The 32-year-old Ighalo only plays club football in the lower-class Saudi Arabian league. Can Nigeria even be counted among the favorites under these circumstances? Maybe Augustine Eguavoen doesn’t care that much anymore. Because his successor is already ready in the Portuguese Jose Peseiro. However, the team will only take over after the Africa Cup. According to the Nigerian association, he will still be there in Cameroon. As an “unofficial observer” as one puts it.
Status: 02.01.2022, 1:48 p.m.