Former Eagles coach Gernot Rohr also listed Cameroon as a potential winner and tipped them to reach the semi-finals at least
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Eagles gaffer, Gernot Rohr, has tipped Nigeria as the favourite team to win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following their impressive performance during the group stages.
Gernot Rohr made the assertion when speaking with Ouest France, where he also suggested hosts Cameroon as another potential winner, who will at least reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Nigeria is the only team in the competition that won all their matches and earned the maximum 9 points at the group stages, while Cameroon had 7points from their three matches after winning two and drawing one.
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The 68-year-old Rohr, however, warned the Eagles against complacency, as he noted that it’s a different ball game at the knockout stages.
He said: “Nigeria is for me the favourite to win the AFCON after the group stage. This is the team with the most legs, the most efficient. The team has been built to win for five years.
“They know each other very well. It makes me happy to see them fulfill the contract even if they have to be wary of direct elimination matches, it’s completely different.
“They must be careful not to take the easy way out. I think they can handle the pressure. It’s still a young team but it has maturity.”
The German coach also said Cameroon will in addition to their potent attack, take advantage of home advantage as the host of the tournament.
He added, “In the selection of Cameroon, there are great players, an important offensive potential. They are at home and they have the support of the public. We leave with advantages in these cases. It provides additional strength. I expected them to at least be in the semi-finals. It’s the minimum.”
