Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, believes Nigeria has the materials to win next year’s African Cup of Nations billed to hold in Cameroon.
Nigeria is drawn in Group D of the competition and will be based in the Camerounian city of Garoua in the preliminary stages.
Speaking on Tuesday’s draw in Cameroon that pitted Nigeria in Group D alongside old foes, Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau, Rohr described the group as a tricky one, adding, however, that Super Eagles have the qualities to navigate the first round successfully.
He acknowledged Egypt as one of the favourites for the trophy, adding that the record title holders know how to rise to the occasion in continental competitions.
The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament is scheduled to be hosted by Cameroon, and will take place from January 9 to February 6, 2022.
Rohr said: “After coming third in the last edition, we are aiming to reach the final in Cameroun, we are a strong team.
“We have very talented players among the Nigerian national team ranks, we can go far in tournaments.”
Also speaking on the competition, Egypt’s Head Coach, Hossam El-Badry, said Group D is “quite balanced and not easy due to the improvement of all these teams, who also have great players.
“I have great confidence in God and in the capabilities the players to overcome this group and perform well to satisfy the aspirations of the Egyptian fans.
“The coaching staff and I are thinking about each stage separately. Currently, we are only focusing on the team’s journey in the World Cup qualifiers to achieve our target to qualify for the finals.
“As we already reached our first target, which was to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.”
El-Badry disclosed that everybody associated with the Pharoahs “bear a great responsibility in satisfying the fans and fulfilling their aspirations to be present in the World Cup.
“This would be a great honour for everyone who contributes to this great achievement. I ask everyone to continue to support the national team in this difficult and exceptional period that Egyptian football is going through.”
Nigeria will begin their campaign at the 2022 Nations Cup on matchday three (January 11) against Egypt in Garoua, and on January 15 take on Sudan at the same venue.
The Super Eagles last group game will hold on January 19 against Guinea Bissau.
If they Super Eagles win Group D, they will meet any of the third placed teams in Group B, E and F.
However, if Nigeria comes second, the Eagles will play against winner of Group E. The Eagles will meet winner of Group B if they finish among the best third placed teams.
