Gernot Rohr, the former Super Eagles manager and current coach of the Benin national football team, has shared some of his unusual encounters as a European coach in Africa. In a recent interview with FCBayern.com, the Franco-German tactician revealed two bizarre incidents he experienced during his coaching career.
During his first game as the coach of Benin against Rwanda, Rohr witnessed an unusual incident. The ball seemed to have trouble finding the net, and at one point, a fan stormed onto the pitch, snatched the goalkeeper’s white towel, and vanished. According to Rohr’s assistant, the towel was believed to have bewitched the team. Strangely enough, just five minutes later, Benin scored the equalizer.
Another peculiar incident took place during Rohr’s time in Nigeria. He recalled an occasion when the Minister of Sports unexpectedly showed up at training with a group of 40 to 50 journalists and expressed his desire to join in the football session. Perplexed by the situation, Rohr consulted his assistant, who advised him to allow the Minister to participate, fearing potential consequences if they declined. Without hesitation, they incorporated a circle game for the Minister, and everything went smoothly.
These anecdotes highlight the unique experiences and challenges that Rohr has encountered while coaching in Africa. Despite the unusual occurrences, he continues to navigate the intricacies of African football and strives to achieve success with the teams he manages.
“Two years ago in Nigeria, suddenly the Minister of Sports turned up at training with 40 to 50 journalists and wanted to join in the football. I was perplexed. My assistant said we had to let him join in; otherwise, we’d all be gone tomorrow. Without further ado, we added a circle game for him, and everything was fine,” he recounted.
