Gernot Rohr Speaks On AFCON Postponement

The Super Eagles head coach has applauded the decision of the continent’s football governing body to move the biennial competition by 12 months

Gernot Rohr has thrown his weight behind the Confederation of African Football’s (Caf) decision to postpone the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

CAF, during its executive committee meeting on Tuesday, resolved that the continental showpiece billed to commence on January 9, 2021, in Cameroon will now take place in 2022 owing to the impact of Covid-19.

Currently, qualifying games are yet to be concluded, and there is no set time for resumption as the coronavirus pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down in Africa.

Nigeria’s coach Rohr, who led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish in last year’s edition, shared his thoughts on the resolution with BBC Sports Africa.

“I think this is a wise decision because time is very short now, and they could not postpone to the summer,” the former Gabon manager said.

“I can understand this decision – we have more time now to prepare our young boys. It is not all bad.

“There is a positive side in all this, and we have time for some friendlies and also for the beginning of the World Cup qualifiers – normally we will begin in November with this, and I think we can follow the plan and still have time to the Afcon qualifiers starting in October, so it is a wise decision and it will be a big year in 2022.”

Algeria are the defending champions of the AFCON, having defeated Senegal 1-0 in the final of Egypt 2019, with Baghdad Bounedjah scoring the only goal at the Cairo International Stadium.