Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has admited that Nigeria is not one of the favourites, to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Rohr stated this at a pre-match news conference today in Asaba, ahead of their final 2019 AFCON qualifier against Seychelles on Friday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Moroccan national team coach, Herve Renard, had tipped Nigeria and Senegal as favourites to win the tournament.
But Rohr, responding to Renard’s remarks, said though the Super Eagles have improved since their outing at the last World Cup in Russia, a lot of work still needs to be done.
“We have to work, we have young players in the team, most of them new in the team.
“It is not easy to go to a major tournament and win, most especially when we don’t have a player playing in the champions league.
“However, we have a big chance to go far at AFCON in Egypt, because since the last World Cup, I see the team has improved.
“So, I am very optimistic that we will do very well and challenge for the cup, but the main favourites are Egypt and Morocco.
“Morroco are currently number one in Africa going by the latest FIFA ranking. Also, Egypt will be playing at home, with a large home crowd behind them,” Rohr said.
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