Head coach of the Nigeria national football team Gernot Rohr is pleased with the decision of the continent’s top football-governing body to suspend the AFCON qualifiers indefinitely.
The Super Eagles were billed to tackle the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone later this month in a pair of back-to-back matches towards qualifying for the 2021 African Cup of Nations.
However, the unimaginable outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus has forced CAF to postpone all international games in the meantime.
Football has suffered a massive blow since the killer-virus crossed from China to Europe, with many of that continent’s major leagues presently suspended.
A significant number of Super Eagles stars invited to face the Leone Stars ply their trade in Europe, with no less than eight – Iwobi, Ndidi, Iheanacho, Osimhen, Kalu, Moses, Ehizibue, Collins – expected from England, France and Germany alone.
A relieved Rohr believes CAF’s decision will help halt the spread of the infection, even if it has put on hold the desire of the coach to establish his team’s superiority over their foes.
“I welcome the decision by CAF because the Coronavirus is pandemic,” Rohr said, in quotes carried by The Nations Online.
“Most Africa players are based in Europe, and some of them have tested positive. It is good to avoid further spread. I am in touch with my players, and I monitor their process in their various clubs.
“So shifting the qualifiers have no effect on us because my players are fit and ready at any time. You will also know that some countries, even in Africa, have suspended sporting activities.
“Health is important. I have spoken to my captain Ahmed Musa and virtually all the invited players to be on standby as we watch development. Football is a game of contact, so measures must be taken.
“Playing Sierra Leone in Asaba will not a problem because my boys are active in their club, and I am sure of victory at any time it is rescheduled,” Rohr stated.