Rohr to hear back from Mali in the 'coming days'

Gernot Rohr

Monday May 02, 2022. 16:00

Former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr has confirmed that Mali made contact with him about taking charge of the national team and expects a decision to be made soon.

The Eagles are searching for a new man at the helm after Mohamed Magassouba was sacked last month following his failure to guide them to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Magassouba’s side qualified for the playoffs but lost to Tunisia over two legs to bring an end to the Malian tactician’s near three-year reign.

The Malian Football Federation (FEMAFOOT) are looking to make an appointment before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with matchday 1 of the group stages taking place on May 30.

Rohr has been without a job since being dismissed by the Super Eagles in December despite getting them to the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The 68-year-old German, who has also coached Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso on the continent, revealed that FEMAFOOT had reached out to him about an enticing opportunity.

“Yes, they (Mali) contacted me indeed,” Rohr told Europe 1 TV. “It’s a good team, which made an unfortunate CAN and which is also eliminated from the World Cup.

“I saw the two play-offs against Tunisia; they could have qualified. They have very good players; it’s an interesting team. The verdict of Fémafoot is expected in the coming days.”