By Abbah Chukwuemeka, Abuja
Super Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr has admitted that COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected his training programme towards building a very strong senior national team (Super Eagles ) capable of winning AFCON 2022 and getting to semi-final in 2022 FIFA World Cup billed for Qatar’.
Rohr who expressed worries over the cancellation of two international friendly matches slated for September in a chat, however, expressed happiness on two young Arsenal players who committed their international futures to Nigeria.
“Mostly COVID-19 travel restrictions and physical distancing regulations are two main reasons why the international friendly is put on hold.
“Though my boys are professionally engaged in their club’s activities but there is need to assemble them to play together before any competitive matches.
“Coronavirus is real and the players need to be protected. FIFA also knows the danger of organizing competitions at this period but I sincerely hope we will get over it soon to return to our normal life.
“NFF had planned to use the international free window in the month of September to bring back the players,” Rohr said.
The Super Eagles last played in November 2019 when they beat Lesotho 4-2 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before CAF and FIFA postponed Nigeria and Sierra Leone two legged qualifying ties to November 2021 with the finals to hold in 2022.
Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their journey to qualify for a 7th World Cup from June 2021.
