Super Eagles’ Coach, Gernot Rohr, who led Nigeria to a 2-1 victory in their opening game of the last qualifying series of the Russia 2018 World Cup, wants to camp his team for one week before their next game against Algeria.
Nigeria will host Algeria, who played a 1-1 draw with Cameroun at the weekend, on November 7 in Uyo.
Speaking after the Eagles’ victory in Ndola, Rohr said Nigeria must be ready for a tougher challenge from Algeria than they got against Zambia, adding that camping for one week would give the team the time to blend and build on their staying power.
He, however, acknowledged that getting the players for one week before the Algeria game would depend on the attitude of the players and cooperation from their clubs.
On the game in Ndola, he said, “the condition, playing under scorching sun, had a bad effect on my players and it was particularly difficult in the second half which the Zambians won.
“We have a lot of work to do in several departments, especially defence and attack. Fortunately, we have a very experience motivator in Mikel, who worked behind the attackers.
“We are now in a positive position such that no matter what the orders do, once we get 11 points before our last match against Algeria next year, we will make it to the World Cup.”
Nigeria’s next game in the series is against Algeria in Uyo before moving to Cameroun to play against the Indomitable Lions in Yaoundé.
They will also host Zambia, Cameroun before going to Algeria for the last game of the qualifiers.
To team Captain, John Obi Mikel, this is one of the most exciting teams he will play in since he made his debit for the Super Eagles in 2006.
Mikel said the youthfulness and the willingness to learn have made it easy for the team to work seamlessly, adding, “It is always good to play in a young team because everybody wants to make name for himself.
“It was the same thing at the Olympics. When I started with the team I had players like Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo to look up to and now I am the elder who motivates the younger ones.
“We will continue working hard until the last game to ensure that we get the ticket to the World Cup.”
Mikel also believes that the Super Eagles are on their way to becoming a truly great team, adding, “the boys are so committed that it makes you happy.
The coaching crew is made up of very matured and brilliant people who respect the players. We are onto a good thing’ “We have a very good chance to qualify for the World Cup if we keep our heads and play at our best level. Each and every one of us is determined to go to the World Cup. Now that we are top of the table, we have to remain there,” he said.
