Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr, believes that contrary to popular opinion, Nigeria will not have an easy qualifying rounds for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Eagles have been drawn alongside Benin Republic, Lesotho and Sierra Leone in Group L of the AFCON qualifiers, and Rohr is certain that the team have their work cut out for them, especially against Benin Republic.
Rohr told newsmen that he is satisfied with the draw, however, his team would do well not to look down on their colleagues when they meet.
“I think we judge teams on their names, their history, but you have to get out and beat them.
“Benin are a good side, we saw them at the AFCON, how they were hard to beat, they are a good example. They weren’t bad and had some good players. Their only defeat was against Senegal.”
— Rohr
The gaffer recalled the 2015 AFCON, where the Nigerian team which won the 2013 edition of the tournament lost their first game at home to DR Congo 3-2, and struggled through the competition.
The then Eagles were unable to qualify for the AFCON after finishing third in Group A, behind South Africa and Congo.
Rohr continued, stating that the current crop of players in his team need “fresh motivation to maintain” their level and also improve, regardless of how difficult that could be.
“No team will be easy to play during the qualifiers but I hope my players will be in good shape when the qualifiers start.”
Rohr
Source:
Punch NG
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