The Franco-German tactician was sacked just a month before the start of the competition, but there are no hard feelings after he named his favourite for the title
Ex-Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has tipped Nigeria for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations title in Cameroon following their strong performance in the group stage.
The Super Eagles were the only team to win all their group matches, securing impressive victories over Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.
Rohr, who was Nigeria manager for five years before he was sacked a month to the tournament, believes Nigeria showed their quality in the group stage and have the most complete squad in the competition.
” Nigeria did not surprise me, “Rohr told Ouest France. It is for me the favourite after the group stage. This is the team with the most legs, the most efficient.
The former German tactician added that the three-time African champions have an advantage over their other rivals because they have been together for over five years now.
“They know each other very well. It makes me happy to see them fulfil the contract even if you have to be wary of direct elimination matches, it's completely different.”
“They must be careful not to take the easy way out. I think they can handle the pressure. It's still a young team but it has maturity. Some have made the World Cup in Russia.”
“Many have collected an experience which must serve them now,” he added.
Nigeria qualified for the 2021 AFCON under Rohr, but the German tactician was sacked a month before the competition due to a series of uninspiring performances.
Nonetheless, his replacement Austin Eguavoen has revealed Rohr should also take some credit for the team's excellent display in Cameroon so far.
Rohr spoke from double mouth, initially he said SE wasn’t in the class of the countries that can won AFCON,so he said another thing now. God will bless Nigeria with the ultimate cup in Jesus name