Former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has wished his German counterpart, Bruno Labbadia, the best in their AFCON qualifiers next month, Soccernet.ng reports.

Rohr was formerly on Nigeria’s books, leading the three-time AFCON Champions to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, but was relieved of his duties shortly before the AFCON 2021 tournament kicked off in Cameroon, with Augustine Eguavoen drafted in as a replacement.

Years later, Rohr now works for Nigeria’s neighbours, Benin Republic, with his fellow German, Labbadia, recently appointed to take charge of the Super Eagles.

Nigeria will play against Benin Republic next month at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. While Rohr wished Labbadia the best start to life as Nigeria’s coach, he made it clear that winning against his side will be an exception.

“Bruno Labbadia is a very good coach. Congrats to the Super Eagles for finding such a coach. I hope he will be well-treated by the NFF and Nigerian football fans. He had a lot of experience from Bundesliga, this is the first that is coming now in the national team but he will quickly find his way and the kind of work which is a little bit different to adapt himself to the environment in Nigeria. He will have his first match in Uyo against Benin Republic, we will meet very soon. Like me also my first match was in Uyo in 2016 and it was a very nice place. We are happy to see him in this wonderful team who has the best players all over West Africa so it will be a wonderful match. I wish him all the best but not against us,” Gernot Rohr said in quotes revealed by Brila. 

Bruno Labbadia last managed VfB Stuttgart in the 2022/2023 Bundesliga season. During his time with Die Schwaben, he averaged 0.75 points per game.