Head coach of Nigeria, Gernot Rohr, has revealed that only ‘fittest’ Super Eagles players will start against debutants Burundi in Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Group B opener.
He also revealed that the host nation, Egypt, is the favourite team to win this year’s AFCON.
Rohr stated this in his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Nigeria’s tie against Burundi in Alexandria.
The German tactician was quoted by Allnigeriasoccer as saying: ”We’re used to the pressure and we are cool. We are happy to start this competition and we have been together for three weeks.
”The weather is a bit a different from what we are used to in Nigeria and it affected us because half the team fell sick but now only one player is sick.
”Everyone isn’t fit. Four or five players missed one week of training and have only trained for a few days.
”We are not in the best shape for but we don’t complain there is team have solidarity perhaps even too much solidarity. But we will be ready; the fittest one will play tomorrow.”
Rohr added: ”We prepare to face Burundi with humility because they were unbeaten in the qualifiers. difficult because all the big countries are here but I believe the competition will be wonderful with passionate fans and nice pitches.
”Egypt are favourites we don’t have stars like other teams; our team is the star and we want to play quality football in Nigerian tradition.”
Nigeria are also in the same group with Guinea and Madagascar.
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