Former Green Eagles survivor winger, Felix Owolabi, joins a growing list of Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the way German coach Gernot Rohr manages the senior national football team after more than four years.
Owling a doctoral degree in physical education for many years, felix was a regular face in the Green Eagles and won the country’s first Africa Cup title in 1980. He was also part of the success story of the IICC Shooting Stars where he played football. For a decade and a half.
Speaking during a Sportsville event on w television yesterday, Felix expressed disappointment over the poor playing pattern of the three-time African champion in two friendly matches against Algeria and Tunisia in Austria.
“I used to watch games against Algeria and Tunisia. I saw that we have players who have the ability, but are playing under a coach who has no sense of direction,” said a former international felix owolabi.
He insists that he is not basing his assessment of Rohr on the direction from the two matches and lack of any known playing style.
“I’m not looking at the result, but the quality of the game that was lacking.” Especially in games against Algeria, we played like a team that has no character … in fact I didn’t even know who was playing. Role, from attack to defense to midfield.
“One must tell Rohr that he has done enough testing. After the test. After going to the World Cup with the youngest team and building a team in Egypt, he went on to do it after four years. Can’t say he’s still building one. Team, “the former international insisted.
Felix was particularly irritated by the continued snubbing of players from domestic leagues in preference to foreign-based players only.
“Rohr must look inward to build a solid national team. He cannot continue to ignore the country’s domestic league.”
During his era with the Green Eagles, when players were satisfied with wearing the nation’s jersey, Owolabi demanded more commitment from Super Eagles players
“Our players are not playing with commitment … I don’t think they have a hunger to play,” concludes the former Shooting Stars winger.