Erstwhile Super Eagles trainer, German coach Gernot Rohr, believes Nigeria have quality players to beat the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) double header with the first leg in Uyo on Friday and reverse fixture next Tuesday.
Four-point Super Eagles are top of Group D after the opening two matches following a 3-0 win against Rohr’s Cheetahs of Benin in Uyo and the goalless draw away to Amavubi of Rwanda in Kigali last month.
Already, interim coach Austin Eguavoen has named 23players sans injured scoring ace, Victor Osimhen, for the two games against Libya but Rohr is of the view that that Super Eagles can still weather the storm against the battle-hardened North Africans.
“Of course, Libya is not easy to play,” Rohr, one of the oldest European coaches on the continent, warned. “They are a team with lots of temperaments and character ; and don’t forget they have even changed to a local coach as such, Nigeria must be careful.”
Be that as it may, Rohr surmised that the Super Eagles on their good day should be able to overwhelm the Libyans with the likes of rave-of-the moment Ademola Lookman as well as Bundesliga star, Victor Boniface in their fold.
“ Normally, Nigeria should be able to win the upcoming two games if they are playing at their level but as said, it’s easier said than done especially if they go for the return match.
“ Away matches are alas difficult but I believe they (Super Eagles) can do it even without Osimhen; that’s my opinion,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rohr who is already leading the revival of the Beninese national team, said his major concern is how The Cheetahs can navigate the upcoming fixtures against the Amavubi of Rwanda.
Benin will host the first game on Friday in their adopted home in Abidjan while they play the revers tie next Tuesday in Kigali.
“ Of course, my focus is on our two games against Rwanda,” Rohr continued.“ They are also a very good team especially with their goalless draw against Nigeria.
“ I’m already in Abidjan and I was watched one of our strikers with ASEC Mimosas and he scored the only goal in their win against Olympique Sport , so we are also preparing.”
