Gernot Rohr, the coach of the Benin Republic, expressed his belief that Nigeria is among the favorites to emerge victorious in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. He also mentioned that, in his opinion, the Super Eagles do not currently have a better goalkeeper than Francis Uzoho.
Having previously coached the Super Eagles, Rohr, who was dismissed in December 2021, emphasized the team’s wealth of experience and capabilities to conquer the continent.
“Nigeria is one of the favourites, of course. I saw the list. So many great players and (with) experience,” he mentioned during an interview with Nigerian-British journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.
Addressing concerns about a lack of creativity in the midfield, Rohr, who guided Nigeria to a bronze medal in the 2019 edition in Egypt, suggested that the coach needs to take some risks to achieve a balanced team.
“The strikers are fantastic. They need stability to be complete. They can find the strikers with direct football. Sometimes, you have to take risks,” he stated.
Rohr also voiced his support for Uzoho as the right goalkeeper for the Eagles, despite Uzoho facing significant criticism for costly mistakes in recent matches.
“Uzoho can do the job. I don’t know if there is a better one (goalkeeper),” Rohr asserted.
Nigeria, a three-time champion, will kick off their campaign on Sunday, January 14 against Equatorial Guinea, with Uzoho being the preferred first-choice goalkeeper under coach Jose Pesiero.
The Nigerian team aims to secure their fourth title in Ivory Coast, having previously emerged victorious in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Nigeria is placed in Group A of the tournament alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea Bissau.
