Rohr expects ‘difficult’ ties against Benin, Lesotho as 18 Eagles arrive

SUPER Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has admitted that he is expecting tough opposition from Benin Republic and Lesotho in the final rounds of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Nigerians lead their qualifying group with eight points, and a win from two games against Benin Republic on Saturday in Porto Novo and Lesotho in Lagos next Tuesday will seal their ticket.

However, even as the Super Eagles are considered levels above these opponents, Rohr is not underestimating them.

“Of course, we know that Benin is difficult to beat after our last game in Uyo (Nigeria won 2-1) and we need at least a point against them to qualify for next year’s AFCON,” Rohr told the Confederation of African Football’s official website.

“Then, we are playing our final game in Lagos. We want to win in Lagos because it has been a long time since we last played there, and we want to conclude the qualifiers with a victory as well.

“These are not going to be easy matches because Lesotho drew with Benin, but we are going to give our best against these opponents.”

Meanwhile, by late Monday night 18 of the 24 players invited for the matches had arrived in the team’s Eko Hotel, Lagos training camp base.

The latest arrivals were Alex Iwobi, Leon Balogun, Maduka Okoye, Tyrone Ebuehi, Jamilu Collins and Paul Onuachu.

Enyimba pair John Noble and Anayo Iwuala reported in camp in the evening shortly after helping their club beat Sunshine Stars 1-0 in a Nigeria Professional Football League fixture at the Agege Stadium, also in Lagos.

They joined Ahmed Musa, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Henry Onyekuru, Oghenekaro Etebo and Adekunle Adeleke who had arrived on Sunday.

Chidozie Awaziem and Abdullahi Shehu are also in camp.

The team will hold their first full training session at the Teslim Balogun Stadium later on Tuesday.