Ola Aina knocks Gernot Rohr over 2018 World Cup snub

  Ola Aina knocks Gernot Rohr over 2018 World Cup snub

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has criticized former head coach Gernot Rohr for dropping him out of Nigeria’s final squad during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
 

Coach Rohr, head coach of the Benin Republic national team (Cheetahs), who also handed Aina his Super Eagles debut in 2017. after Ola Aina the Nottingham Forest star came frpm the bench in the closing minutes of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Zambia—a result that sealed the country's qualification for the tournament.

 

Aina, along with Mikel Agu,  where both dropped  from the 23 final squad  despite being part of the qualifying campaign before the World Cup. He had been in contention for the left-back role alongside Elderson Echiejile and Bryan Idowu.

In an interview on the 90s show Nottingham Forest star did not hold his frustration and disapportment over Rohr's action 

In His worlds “I got shenked in 2018. That manager [Rohr] shenked me. I was supposed to go, but he did rubbish.”

Aina who also missed out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, after Nigeria failing to qualify losing a playoff to the Black Stars of Ghana. Now, with Nigeria’s with another chance for the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance, Aina is determined not to miss out again.

 This 2026, I’m putting all my energy into it. I need to go because if not, I think my World Cup dream is over. I’ll be too old, and I’m not trying to take anyone’s spot by then. Plus, it’s in the U.S.—I need to be there.”

 

After six matches in Group C of the CAF qualifiers, the Super Eagles sit fourth with seven points—six behind group leaders South Africa. With four games remaining, Nigeria must win all to stand a chance of qualifying for the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

 

Aina remains hopeful:“This 2026 World Cup, I need to be there. I think we can do it.”
 

The Super Eagles will resume their qualification campaign in September when they host Rwanda in Uyo, before traveling to face South Africa. In the reverse fixtures, Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali and drew 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo.