Former coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has fired a barb at those who criticised his decision to hand newly crowned Africa footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen a call up to the team at the age of 17.
Fresh from firing Nigeria to world cup glory at the 2015 U17 with 12 goals, Rohr who was appointed as the coach of the Super Eagles around that time wasted no time in handing him a call up to the team.
Back then his decision was met with criticisms with many saying the then 17 year old Osimhen should be allowed to progress through the ranks and not just jump to the senior team. As at that time he was yet to play a single minute of professional football.
Rohr recalls with nostalgia in an interview with Nations Sport, how his decision took a lot of people by surprise, saying it is the first step towards the rise of the Napoli forward to where he is now.
“He was 17 when I first saw him and drafted him to the Super Eagles in my very first match with Tanzania and a lot of people were surprised. Again, many were also surprised when I took him to the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, but he showed later all the qualities he has.
“This boy is still the same: humble, working hard, and staying always modest, which is a good sign for a big player (desirous to be the greatest).”
Ade Emmanuel.
