Nigeria steps up preparation for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Cameroon next month.
The Super Eagles coach has confirmed a 40-man list has been submitted to CAF.
With less than six weeks to go to the start of the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon next month, preparations are now at fever pitch as teams put finishing touches to their preparations. The tournament which kicks off on January 9 will see the creme-de-la-creme of African players converge in Cameroon for a month-long football fiesta.
The Super Eagles are not left out with players jostling for a place in the team. Gernot Rohr has to be careful in his selection process, as the team is still in need of an identity. The qualifiers for the World Cup saw Nigeria’s apex football team churn out dire performances that led to calls for the sacking of the German.
With CAF allowing for squad size increase to 28, it makes the job of player selection for coaches easier. The move is to allow for contingencies that may come about by COVID-19.
As Gernot Rohr submits a 40-man list to CAF, the question arises, who will be on the team to Cameroon.
It's been two weeks since Gernot #Rohr submitted a 40-man list of #SuperEagles players to play #AFCON in Januaryđź“ť
Which player do you want the most to be on that list?🤔#EasywinNigeria pic.twitter.com/dDCrrAeKPs— EasywinNigeria (@EasywinNigeria) December 1, 2021
Gernot Rohr submits 40-man list to CAF
Questions have arisen over the future of coach Gernot Rohr. The German tactician has seen calls for his resignation rising in crescendo in the past couple of weeks with no one sure of whether he will be in the dugout for the Super Eagles when the African Cup of Nations commences in January.
The German is, however, not relaxing and has continued his work.
In continuing with his duties, Rohr has released a 40-man provisional list to CAF. The list was sent to CAF on November 15.
Amid the calls for his contract to be terminated, former Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso manager remains committed to his job and is not distracted by the campaign against him.
In a recent interview, Rohr confirmed that he had sent the list to CAF as required and was going ahead with his plan to lead the Super Eagles in Cameroon. The German tactician also revealed that he was undeterred in his quest to help the team land its fourth continental trophy.
Ovie Ejaria, Lookman Ademola and Victor Moses are some of the players believed to be on the list.
To be sacked or not to be sacked
Amid the poor performances by the Super Eagles in their recent World Cup qualifiers, a lot of heat has been put on the NFF to relieve the German of his duties. Proponents of his sack claim that the German lacks the tactical nous to move the nations’ football forward.
It is unclear whether Rohr will be at the helm when the Super Eagles take to the pitch for their first match against Egypt on the 11th of January.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are in search of funds to pay off the German with his contract not expiring till next year.
Meanwhile, former Super Eagles manager Jo Bonfrère has also applied to manage the Super Eagles.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago