'I accepted half of my salary I earned in Nigeria' - Rohr insists he's not in Benin for the money

Gernot Rohr, head coach of the Benin national football team, has revealed that his decision to take on the role was driven not by financial gain, but by a passion for the sport and a desire to embark on a new adventure.

The German coach led the Super Eagles of Nigeria for five years, guiding them to the 2018 World Cup and securing a bronze medal at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. 

Although he successfully qualified Nigeria for the 2021 AFCON tournament, Rohr was dismissed as head coach, with Austin Eguavoen appointed as his interim replacement.

Now at the helm of Benin, Rohr has already made a significant impact, guiding the Cheetahs to qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. 

The team finished second in Group D behind Nigeria, and Rohr is now eyeing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a crucial 2-1 victory over Nigeria.

In Group C of the World Cup qualifiers, Benin currently sits on seven points, tied with Rwanda and South Africa, while Nigeria lingers in fifth place with only three points from four matches.

Speaking to For Radio Bip via Girondins4ever, Rohr explained his motivations for accepting the Benin job.

"I was lucky to have a long career of more than fifty years in professional football, I did not come for the money. I accepted half of my salary that I earned in Nigeria."

"If I had come for the money, I would not have come," he continued. " I came for an adventure, for a great project, in a friendly country, which I had already appreciated by coming to play there."

Rohr acknowledged that, as is often the case in African football, salary payments and bonuses can sometimes be delayed, but he remained unfazed by such challenges.

"Like everywhere in Africa, there can sometimes be small problems with the payment of salaries, and bonuses, but it does not matter, because there are honest people who are in front of us, and we know that there are times when you have to be patient when there are sometimes other priorities in the country."

The German coach emphasized that the most important aspect of his work was the dedication of the players and the collective pursuit of success.

"Football is something very important for many people, but the most important thing is that the people who work give everything for what they do, for this country, for the team, with players who are 100% motivated. For this, we don't need to talk about the equipment or my salary."

Adeyemi Adewale

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