The Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr has expressed satisfaction with the high spirit so far exhibited by his wards who are preparing to take on the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone on Friday in the first leg of their double header 2021 AFCON qualifiers in Benin City.
The Nigeria Football Federation yesterday quoted the Franco-German tactician as urging the Super Eagles to maintain their tradition of qualifying for major tournaments with matches to spare.
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“We do not in any way under-rate the Sierra Leoneans that we play over two legs within these four days, but we have our focus and objective for the matches.
“We want to win both games so we can have the ticket and be able to be a little more relaxed for the final games. You know that next year, we also have the World Cup qualifiers to focus on. It is better to get the AFCON job behind us now.
“I am excited by the spirit of the players and their sense of dedication and commitment. We have not played a competitive match in a year, but they look very ready and good to go. Our mission is the six points in these two matches,” said Rohr.
With the maximum six points from their first two matches of the campaign, three ahead of second-placed Benin Republic who square up to Lesotho, the Eagles will be sure of a spot in the Draw for the finals in Cameroon if they earn all the points at stake against the Leone Stars.
Captain Ahmed Musa and his deputy, William Ekong sang similar tunes as Coach Rohr in previewing the two encounters with the Leone Stars, saying the players are hungry for victory in both games as they want to assure an early spot in Cameroon.
Meanwhile, the Leone Stars’ delegation arrived yesterday and is staying at the Lushville Hotel.
After losing one and drawing the other in their first two matches of the qualification series, Coach John Keister and wards will look to make life difficult for the Super Eagles at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Friday evening.
The Super Eagles will fly to Freetown on Monday for Tuesday’s clash with the Leone Stars at the Siaka Stevens Stadium.
