AFCON 2019: Why Super Eagles Are Not Favourites – Gernot Roh

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has dismissed suggestions that Nigeria is part of the favorites to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

He downplayed the claim while speaking at a pre-match news conference on Thursday 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 the Super Eagles and Senegal as favourites to win the tournament.

Responding to Renard’s remarks, Rohr 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 is 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.