Rohr On Half The Players Falling Sick, Burundi, Super Eagles Chances, Who Will Play

Published: June 21, 2019

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr faced the media at the pre-match press conference to discuss Saturday's Africa Cup of Nations match vs Burundi in Alexandria.

The Super Eagles were hit by a sickness bug when they arrived in Ismailia for the second phase of preparations and Rohr confirmed as much in the press conference, saying that half of the team fell sick but only one player is still in the treatment room.

''We're used to the pressure and we are cool. We are happy to start this competition and we have been together for three weeks.

''The weather is a bit a different from what we are used to in Nigeria and it affected us because half the team fell sick but now only one player is sick.

''Everyone isn't fit. Four or five players missed one week of training and have only trained for a few days.

''We are not in the best shape for but we don't complain there is, team have solidarity perhaps even too much solidarity. But we will be ready; the fittest one will play tomorrow.''

When the draw was made on April 12, Nigeria fans were happy to be paired with Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar but the German has continued to play down the chances of the three-time African champions.

''We prepare to face Burundi with humility because they were unbeaten in the qualifiers. It's difficult because all the big countries are here but I believe the competition will be wonderful with passionate fans and nice pitches.

''Egypt are favourites we don't have stars like other teams; our team is the star and we want to play quality football in Nigerian tradition,'' Rohr added.

Nigeria have reached the semi-final stage or further in 14 of their 17 appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations including 11 of the last 12.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel