Report: Ex-Super Eagles coach Jo Bonfrère applies to take over from Gernot Rohr

The Dutchman is interested in taking over from the German tactician, who is set to be fired by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 

Dutch manager Jo Bonfrère could be in line for a shock return to the Super Eagles after he formally sent his application for the team’s coaching role to the NFF.

According to ESPN journalist Colin Udoh, Bonfrère has officially expressed his interest in taking over from the current coach Gernot Rohr, who is on the brink of the sack.

Rohr has been in the role since 2016, but his position has become untenable due to the team’s recent unimpressive performances.

The NFF is currently looking to pay the German tactician off as they interview potential candidates. And among the candidates that have sent in their application is  Bonfrère.

Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic gold-winning coach Jo Bonfrere has formally put in his paperwork to apply for the Nigeria job.
The NFF is currently in the process of paying off current coach Gernot Rohr to terminate his contract while interviewing candida for the job#SuperEaglesInsider

— Colin NOT Collins (@ColinUdoh) November 29, 2021

The Dutchman is familiar with the Super Eagles, having served as the team’s coach on two occasions and as an assistant in another stint.

Bonfere served as Super Eagles assistant coach under Clemence Westerhof at the 1994 World Cup before leading the Dream Team to the gold medal in the football event of the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

He left his role after the Olympics but returned in 1999 to lead Nigeria to a second-place finish at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations.

Should he return, Bonfrère’s first task will be to lead the three-time African champions to next year’s AFCON, which starts on January 9 in Cameroon.