AFCON 2019: Rohr urges Eagles players to humble themselves as Iwobi reveals Mikel’s new playing role

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has urged his players to humble themselves and remain in the right frame of mind for the Africa Cup of Nations which begins this weekend in Egypt.

 

Gernot Rohr 

Rohr has always played down his team’s chances, even though the Super Eagles are seen as one of the Cup favourites. “Our aim at this moment is to stay humble and not get too excited,” the Nigeria coach told BBC Sport gathered by VAM News. “To say we have to win the Afcon is not my philosophy because we are a very young team.  

“Already the president said we must win it, but this is not the ideology. We are only making a return after a period of absence so we have to play with happiness and enthusiasm in Egypt.” 

The 65-year-old German further cautioned that his squad are a young group, yet a semi-finals progress is possible. “Our young team will do the best. We have a chance to reach the last four, which for me is already a good result. 

They did very well in Russia and won hearts, I can tell from the reactions of the fans at home and everywhere I go.”

Also, VAM confirmed a revelation from Alex Iwobi who suggested that Chelsea icon Obi Mikel will likely be deployed as a central midfielder at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has been trying out different formations in the training sessions and gave a hint at what his starting line-up against Burundi could be in the preparatory matches against Zimbabwe and Senegal. 

Mikel

VAM Recalls that Both Iwobi and Mikel lined up in midfield in both matches with the Hale End Academy product deployed in a more advanced position and the Super Eagles captain playing centrally. ‘’It’s great to have Mikel back, with so much experience and what he has done for the country, what he’s done for Chelsea, especially to have him in the base of midfield,’’ Iwobi said in an interview with Super Eagles Media team.