Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has extended his best wishes to fellow German, Bruno Labbadia, who has recently been appointed as the head coach of Nigeria’s national team. Labbadia is set to lead the Super Eagles in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers next month.

Rohr, who previously guided Nigeria to a third-place finish in the 2019 AFCON and managed the team during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, was dismissed from his role just before the 2021 AFCON. Now coaching Benin Republic, Nigeria’s neighboring country, Rohr will face his former team in a key qualifying match next month at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

In a statement, Rohr praised Labbadia’s credentials, citing his extensive experience in the Bundesliga. However, he made it clear that while he wishes Labbadia success in his new role, victory over Benin will be hard-fought.

“Bruno Labbadia is an excellent coach. Congratulations to the Super Eagles on finding such a capable leader. I hope the NFF and Nigerian football fans treat him well. Although this is his first national team role, I’m sure he will adapt quickly to Nigeria’s environment and challenges. We will meet soon in Uyo, where I also had my first match as Nigeria’s coach in 2016. It’s a beautiful venue, and I’m looking forward to the game. I wish him all the best—except when facing us,” Rohr said in comments shared by Brila.

Labbadia, who most recently managed VfB Stuttgart in the 2022/2023 Bundesliga season, is gearing up for his debut with Nigeria, hoping to make a strong start in the AFCON qualifiers.