Rohr supports Morocco, Senegal, regrets Eagles missing out

Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is rooting for Morocco and Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He feels bad that Nigeria is still missing from the biggest football event, saying it is a real shame that stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are not playing in North America.

Rohr, who took Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup in Russia and now manages the Benin Republic team, spoke with Footy-Africa after watching several matches in the United States. He said African teams have improved a lot and are now closer to competing with European and South American teams.

"From what I saw physically, in the two games featuring Morocco against Brazil and France against Senegal, as well as Ivory Coast against Ecuador, I think the African teams are doing well at the moment," he said.

"Perhaps it was a bit difficult for South Africa, the Bafana Bafana, and it was certainly tough for them in the opening game. Tunisia and Algeria also had tough times, but they all performed well."

African Teams Closing the Gap

Rohr was clear about whether African football has caught up with traditional football powers.

"Strategically, we are now on the same level as European or South American teams, which is great. The same goes for physical fitness. I think they are now on par with the standards in Europe. The organisation of the African teams now is much better than before," he said.

He highlighted Morocco, who reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as the team that can carry Africa's hopes far in the tournament.

"I believe Morocco can go very far in this competition," he said. He also praised Senegal's performance against France, even though he noted the Teranga Lions lost their grip in the second half and lost 3-1.

Disappointment Over Nigeria's Absence

On Nigeria's absence, Rohr openly shared his disappointment. He led the Super Eagles to the 2018 World Cup but was later sacked by the Nigeria Football Federation during the qualifying rounds for Qatar 2022. Nigeria has now missed two World Cups in a row, despite having one of the best teams on the continent.

"I also think about how Nigeria hasn’t participated since 2018. I believe this is because when we faced them in the group stage, even though they had great individual players with immense quality, they simply didn’t play like a team early on and dropped too many points," Rohr said.

"It is truly a pity that major players like Osimhen and Lookman are not here to be seen. For me, it’s a pity. I was in New York. I could see some games. I’m heading back home now and will be following other games from my home," he added.

Nigeria failed to qualify from a group that included South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and the Republic of Benin. South Africa topped the group to claim automatic qualification.