Ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, former Nigerian forward, Jonathan Akpoborie has warned the technical crew of Gernot Rohr not to underestimate the Squirrels of Benin in order to avoid a repeat of the Sierra Leone shambolic display.
The three-time Africa champions will face Benin on March 22 in a make or mar encounter in Porto-Novo before hosting the Crocodile of Lesotho on March 30.
Nigeria could have qualified for the bi-annual tournament but a spirited comeback from Sierra Leone after going down 4-0 ensures the team level score 4-4.
The return leg also saw the Super Eagles caged to a goalless draw in Freetown.
In a chat with Completesports, Akpoborie stated that Rohr must release all his arsenal against the Squirrels in a bid to clinch the much-needed three points.
“At this point, the technical crew of the Super Eagles led by Gernot Rohr must ensure that he doesn’t underestimate the Squirrels of Benin. At least we saw what Sierra Leone showed the team in Uyo despite going 4 goals up before they brought the roof down with their stunning comeback. We must not allow a repeat of such a game again.
“This is the right time for the Super Eagles to show that they are giants of Africa football by going to Porto Novo to pick the maximum point.
“They are aware of the nature of the group and a victory will automatically qualify the team for the bi-annual tournament in Cameroon.’
By Augustine Akhilomen
5 Comments
If Rohr messes up I will not hesitate to hire Waldrum
If Nigeria fail to qualify Rohr will be back immediately
Nigeria only needs 1 point to qualify for next Afcon. It is as simple as that.
How do Nigeria need 1point only
If Nigeria get’s an extra point they would be on 9 pts, which would be impossible for Sierra Leone & Lesotho to reach with 1 game remaining. Current log Nigeria 8pts, Benin 7pts, Sierra Leone 3pts & Lesotho 2pts with 2 games each remaining. In the next round of games Lesotho plays Sierra Leone at home. If that ends a draw (which is likely) Nigeria would even qualify with 2 games to spare. Infact it would be more difficult for Nigeria not to qualify. I believe, however, that we will win both remaining games.