As the Super Eagles converge at their training camp in Asaba, the team’s gaffer, Gernot Rohr, is hopeful that his players will be fit and in optimum condition in time for the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is expected to run from June 21, to July 19, in Egypt.
A number of Eagles have had relatively long and stressful seasons with their clubs and may have to work extra hard to be fit for the AFCON.
Rohr believes that only the fittest team can win the AFCON, which is why team Nigeria must train effectively for the tournament after they failed to qualify for the last edition of the AFCON.
“We have to work hard. We have to be fit because only the fittest team have the chance to win the Nations Cup.
“It will be very hot and there will be more games (with the expanded format of the tournament) to be played after a tough, long season for many of the players. And so we have to be fit, we want to be ready.”
— Gernot Rohr
Concerning the final 23-man list for the championship, Rohr said he and his cabinet are faced with a much difficult task of dropping two players from the provisional squad of 25 players before the AFCON commences:
“Everybody wants to be in Egypt and, at the same time, we have to drop two players. It will be difficult for me and my staff to choose the final 23, because everybody is doing so well.”
– Rohr
The Super Eagles will begin their campaign at the AFCON with a game against tournament debutantes, Burundi, on June 22, before they take on Guinea and Madagascar on June 26, and June 30, respectively.
Sources: Vanguard NG
Featured image source: Goal.com
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