Ahead of the two crucial semifinal clashes billed for Sunday evening, the Super Eagles manager have taken time out to praise the four teams left in the competition.
Nigeria and Algeria will be at loggerheads few minutes after Senegal and Tunisia do battle to decide which two nations will be represented in the Friday 19th AFCON Final.
Gernot Rohr has lauded all four teams as the very best Africa currently has on offer, particularly singling out his unbeaten next opponent.
“Algeria were best the team in the group stage and remain the top favourites now. I also believe we have the four best teams remaining in the competition for now.
Algeria, Senegal, Nigeria and Tunisia are the best teams in the continent now,” Rohr told the press in a pre-match conference.
The former Bordeaux manager waved aside criticisms of the Super Eagles’ earlier performances in the competition
“I don’t see any negative criticism. Everything is all positive. We have improved since the start of the competition. The game against Cameroon was a tough one for us, but we showed great spirit to come back and win it. We also played well against South Africa, especially in the first half.
There is strong solidarity in this team and we are working hard to get better with each game,” Rohr said.
Yet again, three-time winners Nigeria are tagged as the underdogs in a clash against a side that has not made it to the final in 29 years.
Rohr cares little about being favourites but is more concerned about getting his men ready for the titanic battle ahead.
“We are prepared, mentally and physically, for this big game. The experience against Madagascar has helped us a lot. It actually prepared us for the tasks ahead. We know we can’t take anything for granted. It humbled and toughened us mentally.
Algeria are an experienced team and are also prepared for this game. So, it is important to be fit because the fittest team will most likely win the game,” he concluded.