“We have to be very strong” – Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr expresses sentiment about AFCON group stage draw

Speaking exclusively to Omasports after the 2021 African Cup of Nations draw, Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has expressed his sentiments about the group draw.

Nigeria will face 7-time winners, Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau in the group stage. However, while Rohr acknowledges the challenging nature of the group, he is optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances in Cameroon.

“Group D is a very difficult group,” the 68-year-old German told Omasports. “We have Egypt, we have Sudan and Guinea Bissau. We have to be very strong to make it out of this group.”

The head coach revealed that plans are already underway to ensure the best results, and added that the team “will do everything” to be in good shape for the tournament, which begins in January next year.

“We are already planning ahead of time and we are on our way to Garoua (in Cameroon) to see the conditions in this city where Nigeria will stay. The hotel, the training conditions, the stadium and transport.

“It will be very important to be well prepared. I think we would have Nigerian fans because it is not far away from Nigeria. We are happy to be in Garoua with our fans and we will do everything to be in good shape and to have the best result possible.”

The Super Eagles have won the African Cup of Nations three times, with the most recent triumph being in 2013. In the 2019 edition, they made it to the semifinals, where they fell short 2–1 against eventual winners, Algeria.

Rohr and his charges will be looking to go all the way this time around.

The tournament will take place from January 6 to February 6 2022 in Cameroon.