Super Eagles must get to World Cup semi-final, says Rohr

Gernot Rohr has said the Super Eagles of Nigeria “must get to the semi-finals” of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Rohr said although the expectation of Nigerians is too high, the team will strive to do well at the mundial.

“We will try to do well in Russia. Unfortunately, the ambitions are a little excessive,” Rohr told L’Equipe.

“The team must get at least to the semi-finals. We have the ambition of the leaders to manage, even if I get along very well with the president (Amaju Pinnick), who came to get me (for employment), it’s never easy. But for now, it’s going very well.

“It’s a new challenge, a new adventure that’s coming. Participating in the most important tournament in the world, with the best teams, is something every player and coach dream about.

“To live that (dream) is already an achievement, even if it does not mean that we will reach the end. It’s a dedication for me who has been leading national teams for many years.

“I had already done some interesting things, African Cups for example, but really, qualifying Nigeria for the World Cup is a plus. It gives me a lot of joy and satisfaction of course.”

The Super Eagles gaffer also revealed that Amaju Pinnick, NFF President, has assured him of a two years contract extension no matter the Eagles’ performance in Russia.

“The President (Pinnick) has already told me before the World Cup that it (the contract) will be extended by two years, whatever the results in Russia,” Rohr said.