Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr expects a tough battle against the Squirrels of Benin in Wednesday’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo, Completesports.com reports.
The three-time African champions put up an impressive performance in their last two international friendlies against Ukraine and Brazil.
Rohr’s charges last defeat was against the Desert Foxes of Algeria, a semi-final clash at the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt.
The Squrrels by their standard, also enjoyed a memorable time in Egypt eliminating tournament favourites Morocco in the second round before getting knocked out by Senegal in the quarter-final.
Rohr hinted that the Eagles’ performance against Ukraine and Brazil is not important at the moment as the Squirrels are a different opponents.
“We enjoyed ourselves against Ukraine and Brazil, but tomorrow’s game will be different,” Rohr told a news conference at the Ibom Meridien Hotel and Resort on Tuesday.
”Africa football is a bit difficult, Benin Republic are doing fine at the moment. I hope today’s training will be enough for us.”
With quite a number of his players arriving Uyo on Tuesday morning, the Super Eagles will have one full training session ahead of the game. Rohr believes that won’t deter him from fielding the best legs for the game.
The German tactician also insists that he has enough quality players that can lead the team following the retirement of erstwhile captain John Mikel Obi.
“We always try our best to start the best players. We need to find new leaders after Mikel retired and I think we have more players that can lead the team,” he added.
“Musa is the captain now, the leadership is here. Leadership is for everyone, for all the players.”
The former Girondins Bordeaux manager’s contract will expire next June 2020, but he says his major focus is to ensure the Super Eagles make it to Cameroon 2021.
“I have to work, the contract is not a problem. I think by the end of the year, I will discuss with the FA. No distraction for me, but it’s time for us to have a new project to win the next AFCON, we need to be at the next World Cup as well.”
1 Comment
Oga Rhor has indirectly answered the question, he will sign a new contract for both the next Nation & World cup respectively. I wish him all the best though!