Afcon 2023: Rohr backs Uzoho and says Eagles can win tournament

Benin Republic Coach, Gernot Rohr, has said that Nigeria is one of the favourites to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and that he doesn’t think the Eagles currently have a better goalkeeper than Francis Uzoho.

Rohr who previously coached the Super Eagles but was sacked in December 2021, said the Super Eagles have experience to conquer the continent.

“Nigeria is one of the favourites, of course. I saw the list. So many great players and (with) experience,” he said in an interview.

When asked about the lack of a creative midfield in the team, Rohr who won bronze for Nigeria in the 2019 edition in Egypt, said the coach has to take a risk to find a balance

“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 said.

Rohr also said that Uzoho is the right man to guard the post for the Eagles. Uzoho has come under huge criticism following his howlers that have cost the team dearly in recent matches.

“Uzoho can do the job. I don’t know if there is a better one (goalkeeper),” Rohr said.

Nigeria, three-time champions, will begin their campaign on Sunday, January 14 against Equatorial Guinea, with Uzoho preferred as first choice keeper by coach Jose Pesiero

Nigeria will be seeking to win the fourth title in Ivory Coast having previously won it in 1980, 1994, and 2013.

Nigeria is paired in Group A of the tournament with hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea Bissau.