Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr has predicted a Nigeria versus DR Congo showdown in the final of the Africa World Cup playoffs later this month, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Franco-German tactician, who has previously managed both Nigeria and Gabon, believes the Super Eagles’ superior quality will prove decisive when they meet the Panthers in Rabat on November 13.
The semi-final fixtures will see Nigeria face Gabon, while Cameroon take on DR Congo, with the winners battling for a place at next year’s intercontinental playoffs on November 16.
“Gabon and Nigeria are two good teams,” Rohr, 72, told NationSport.
“Some of their (Gabonese) players are still the same ones I worked with between 2010 and 2012 when we reached the quarter-finals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).”
Rohr, now leading The Cheetahs of Benin, warned that while Nigeria remain favourites, Gabon’s experience and hunger could pose problems.
“Aubameyang was a young player at that time (2012), and their captain, Bruno Ecuele Manga, is still there. But I think Nigeria has better players. If they play collectively like they did against Benin, I think they can beat Gabon.”
The former Bordeaux coach praised Nigeria’s recent cohesion and depth, urging them to maintain the same ‘collective performance’ they showed in their previous outing against Benin.
Rohr, who led Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, said the Super Eagles must avoid complacency against a side with attacking pedigree and seasoned professionals.
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DR Congo tipped to edge Cameroon and set up Nigeria final
Rohr expects a tougher contest in the other semi-final between Cameroon and DR Congo, but he tipped the Leopards to progress due to their individual quality and Cameroon’s off-field issues.
“The winner of the final ticket will be difficult to predict because the match between Cameroon and DR Congo will not be easy,” Rohr admitted.
“Perhaps, DR Congo are a bit stronger because they have individually better quality players than Cameroon. Again, Cameroon are also facing some administrative problems that may affect their performance, so I think the final could be between Nigeria and DR Congo.”
The 72-year-old, who has also managed Niger, Tunisia, and Burkina Faso, said he expects the eventual African representative to be tested even further in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled to take place in Mexico.
“The continental playoffs in Mexico will be very difficult, but there’s still hope,” Rohr added.
“I think Nigeria can do it because they have the best players and a good image. It will be good for FIFA to have a nation like Nigeria, with almost 200 million people, at the World Cup. It would make the tournament more exciting.”
A respected figure in African football, Rohr led Nigeria through a relatively stable World Cup qualifying campaign in 2018 and guided Gabon to their famous AFCON quarter-final finish in 2012.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are seeking redemption after missing out on the 2022 World Cup.