Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has tipped Nigeria and DR Congo to achieve the ultimate of the Africa World Cup playoffs later this month.
The skilled Franco-German coach, who beforehand managed Nigeria, stated he expects the Tremendous Eagles to beat Gabon when each groups meet in Rabat on November 13.
Nigeria will face Gabon in a single semi-final, whereas Cameroon tackle DR Congo within the different. The winners will battle for a spot in subsequent yr’s intercontinental playoffs on November 16.
Talking forward of the matches, Rohr described each Gabon and Nigeria as robust groups however believes the Tremendous Eagles’ high quality will make the distinction.
“Gabon and Nigeria are two good sides,” Rohr stated. “A few of Gabon’s gamers had been a part of the group I labored with between 2010 and 2012 once we reached the AFCON quarter-finals. Aubameyang was a younger participant then, and Bruno Ecuele Manga remains to be round. However Nigeria have higher gamers total. In the event that they play collectively as a group, they’ll beat Gabon.”
Rohr, who guided Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, praised the Tremendous Eagles’ current teamwork and steadiness, urging them to keep up the identical spirit they confirmed of their earlier win in opposition to Benin Republic.
He, nevertheless, warned that Gabon’s expertise and starvation might make the tie tough if Nigeria fail to remain targeted.
The previous Bordeaux supervisor additionally gave his ideas on the opposite semi-final, predicting that DR Congo might edge out Cameroon to arrange a last assembly with Nigeria.
“The match between Cameroon and DR Congo can be very powerful,” Rohr stated. “However DR Congo could have the higher hand as a result of they’ve gamers with extra particular person high quality. Cameroon even have some inside points that might have an effect on their efficiency, so I believe Nigeria and DR Congo will make it to the ultimate.”
Wanting forward, Rohr admitted that the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico can be difficult however believes Nigeria have what it takes to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The playoffs in Mexico won’t be simple, however Nigeria can do it,” he stated. “They’ve one of the best gamers and a robust soccer tradition. It might be good for FIFA to have an enormous soccer nation like Nigeria on the World Cup.”
Rohr, 72, stays some of the revered coaches in African soccer, having managed a number of nationwide groups together with Niger, Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Tunisia.
The Tremendous Eagles are decided to return to the worldwide stage after lacking out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
