Benin coach Gernot Rohr during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has stated that African nations are now capable of competing on equal terms with the world’s football powers and has backed Senegal and Morocco to make significant progress at the FIFA World Cup.
The former Nigeria coach, who guided the Super Eagles to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, says the gap between African teams and their European and South American counterparts has narrowed considerably in recent years.
Speaking with Footy-Africa after watching several matches in the United States before returning home, Rohr praised the organisation, tactical discipline and physical conditioning of the continent’s representatives.
“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,” Rohr told Footy-Africa
“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 difficult moments, but they all performed well.”
‘We are on the same level as Europe’
The Franco-German tactician, who currently manages Benin Republic, believes Morocco could once again emerge as one of Africa’s strongest contenders after their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“I believe Morocco can go very far in this competition,” he added. “Senegal played well in the first half (against France) but they lost a bit of control over the match in the second half. Still, the organisation of African teams is much better now than it was in the past.”
According to Rohr, African football has evolved to a point where tactical preparation and physical standards are no longer areas of concern when facing elite opposition.
“Strategically, we are now on the same level as European or South American teams, which is great,” he said. “The same goes for physical fitness. I think they are now on par with the standards in Europe. The organization of the African teams now is much better than before.”
Nigeria’s absence is a ‘real shame’
While encouraged by Africa’s progress, Rohr admitted he is disappointed not to see Nigeria among the teams competing at the tournament.
The former Bordeaux manager led Nigeria to qualification for the 2018 World Cup and had also guided the Super Eagles to the final stage of the African qualifying play-offs for Qatar 2022 before being dismissed by the Nigeria Football Federation.
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Nigeria ultimately failed to secure a place at the last two World Cups, including the current tournament, despite possessing a squad packed with talent.
“I also think about how Nigeria hasn’t participated since 2018,” Rohr said. “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 singled out several of Nigeria’s leading stars whose absence he feels has deprived the competition of quality and excitement.
“It is truly a pity that major players like Osimhen, Chukwueze 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.” Rohr concluded.
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Despite Nigeria’s absence, Rohr remains optimistic about the continent’s prospects and believes African teams are better equipped than ever to challenge for football’s biggest prize.
With Morocco and Senegal among the favourites to advance from the knockout rounds, the Benin coach feels Africa’s long-awaited breakthrough on the global stage could be closer than ever.
