Rohr's Foreign Assistant Explains Why 23 Foreign-Based Pros Were Called Up For AFCONQ Vs Libya

Published: October 09, 2018

One of Gernot Rohr's foreign assistants, Nabil Trabelsi who is a video analyst, has explained why twenty three foreign-based professionals were called up for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya.

With Libya forcing South Africa to a goalless draw on match day two and leading the way in Group E with four points, Trabelsi stated that the Mediterranean Knights are a team to be reckoned with, hence the decision by Rohr to invite his trusted foreign-based professionals for the games in Uyo and Sfax.

''The game will take place at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo, the newest stadium in Nigeria and covered with natural grass," Trabelsi told Libyan newspaper Al Wasat.

''The Libyan team is a strong and respectable team that deserves all the attention. We will work for it. I followed the coach to his last game against South Africa and we prepared it with a technical vision. "

He added : ''I saw the Libyan team in a different and new version and with a flourish and a human balance of professional players ready to deal with all the conditions. It is a balanced defensive and offensive team.

''It knows how to defend and how to perform fast counter-attacks. Respect and caution and then beware of their surprises.''

Trabelsi concluded by saying that the Super Eagles want to compensate the Uyo fans after losing their opening match in the AFCON qualifiers to South Africa in June 2017.

''We are facing an important and decisive week that we are prepared for.

''We have to focus on all aspects in order to get closer to the competition and win one of the two qualifiers for the next AFCON, to compensate for our absence from the stadiums in the last edition and reconciliation.

''The Super Eagles fans were angry following our shock loss in the opening round against South Africa.''

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Federation have confirmed that today's training session will hold at the gym and premises of Ibom Hotel instead of the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : thenff.com