Former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr stated most Tremendous Eagles gamers have the psychological energy and combating spirit to beat the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
Nigeria and Cameroon will renew their rivalry after they conflict within the final 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Abidjan.
The Cameroonians could be hoping to finish Nigeria's dominance over them throughout latest encounters on the AFCON.
The final time Cameroon defeated Nigeria on the AFCON was within the closing of the 2000 version, which they gained 3-2 on penalties after 120 minutes of soccer ended 2-2.
Since then, the Eagles have gained the final two conferences in 2004 (2-1, quarter-finals) and 2019 (3-2, spherical of 16).
Commenting on the Cameroonians' efficiency, Rohr praised them for his or her toughness and tenacity, particularly how they managed to qualify for the knockout levels.
Nevertheless, the German coach stated most Eagles gamers he is aware of equally possess the required qualities to beat the five-time AFCON winners.
“They should consider of their energy, they will do it like they did in 2019,” Rohr stated in a video interview on former BBC reporter Osasu Obayiuwana's X-handle.
“Cameroon had issues, it was not simple of their first two group matches. Their match in opposition to Gambia was loopy, as a result of at a sure level you assume it's over when they’re 2-1 down with 5 minutes to go.
“On the 2021 AFCON they have been 3-0 down in opposition to Burkina Faso and inside 10 minutes they got here again to 3-3, which implies the Cameroonian gamers by no means settle for defeat, they nonetheless consider, they’re mentally sturdy and have combating spirit.
“However Nigeria additionally has a combating spirit, similar to we had in opposition to Cameroon in 2019. Even if you’re one or two targets behind, you’ll be able to come again and win. It’s doable, it’s a matter of spirit, a matter of psychological energy, of self-discipline, solidarity, combating spirit.
“I do know a lot of the Nigerian gamers very properly, they’ve these qualities they usually can do it. In addition they have the most effective participant in Africa and I’m certain they’ll qualify.”
Nevertheless, he admitted that the Eagles is not going to have a straightforward time in opposition to Cameroon.
“It will likely be troublesome as a result of Cameroon is getting sturdy once more, particularly within the win in opposition to Gambia within the final minutes, however they nonetheless have issues, defensive issues, additionally issues throughout the group, goalkeeping issues,” Rohr stated.
