TheCable

Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles’ head coach, says his team has a huge task before them if they are to end Benin Republic’s eight-year unbeaten streak at home on Saturday. 

The 67-year-old spoke on Wednesday during a chat with reporters after a brief training session at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Benin Republic have not been defeated at the Stade Charles de Gaulle, Porto Novo, since 2013, when they lost 3-1 to Algeria in a World Cup qualification game.

“We already have a look at the opponent and they have not lost any games since 2013. So, it is a challenge to be the first team in eight years to do so. Since they didn’t lose any game at home at all, we know that it will not be easy, we have to stay humble,” he said.

The coach, however, expressed confidence in the abilities of his crop of players, stating that a place in next year’s AFCON is important for Nigeria.

“We are confident with good players. We have players who are doing great in their clubs with confidence. So, we will try to do very well like always. We want to have the qualification. We would like to win the game but it is going to be very difficult,” he added.

“With a draw, we have already qualified. So, we will do it, I hope so. It will not be easy. But everybody should remember the lesson of Sierra Leone that we cannot relax when we are leading, we have to fight till the end fully concentrated.”

William Troost-Ekong, Super Eagle’s assistant captain, reiterated the coach’s confidence in his team and their readiness to take on the challenge.

“All the boys are fired up. There’s a lot of energy. We’ve been working really hard. Happy to be in Lagos to prepare here, so we’re going to be ready for Saturday,” he said.

“The special thing to tell Nigerians is for we players to win the game. And I know that by the grace of God, we are going to make it.”

The three-time AFCON champions top group L on eight points against Benin’s seven points and will need a draw or a victory to inch closer to picking the sole ticket for the continental tournament.