Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has tipped Nigeria and DR Congo to reach the final of the upcoming African World Cup playoff series set to take place in Morocco, NigeriaSoccernet.com can report.
Now managing the Benin Republic, Rohr shared his predictions from Cotonou, expressing strong confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome Gabon in their crucial semifinal clash on November 13.
“Gabon and Nigeria are two very good sides,” Rohr told NationSport. “Some of the Gabonese players are ones I worked with years ago, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and captain Bruno Ecuele Manga. But Nigeria have stronger players overall. If they play collectively, as they did against Benin, I believe they can beat Gabon.”
The 72-year-old tactician, who previously coached Gabon between 2010 and 2012, also analyzed the other semifinal between Cameroon and DR Congo, suggesting that off-field distractions in the Cameroonian camp could prove costly.
“It will be a tough game between Cameroon and DR Congo,” Rohr continued. “But DR Congo have more individually talented players, and Cameroon’s administrative problems might affect their focus. I think the final could be between Nigeria and DR Congo.”
The CAF FIFA World Cup playoff champions will advance to the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March in Mexico, where they will face representatives from other continents for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rohr, who managed Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, remains well-respected among Super Eagles supporters for leading the team to the 2018 World Cup and securing third place at AFCON 2019. His latest comments have sparked excitement among fans eager to see the Super Eagles reclaim their global standing.