Rohr Predicts Difficult Game Against Ukraine, Backs Opponents To Qualify For EURO 2020

Published: September 09, 2019

Speaking at Monday's pre-match press conference, Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr is backing the Ukrainian national team to qualify for the 2020 European Championship and predicted that the Yellow-Blue will be a force to be reckoned with in the future following the triumph of the U20s at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Rohr was the coach of the Niger team that lost 2-1 to Ukraine at the Olympic Stadium in a friendly five years ago and has labelled tomorrow's game a difficult match for the Super Eagles.

''Of course, we studied the game of the national team of Ukraine. The team now has very good position in the standings of the Euro 2020 qualifying group,'' Rohr told reporters.

''Most likely, the Ukrainian team will qualify for the European Championship. In addition, fresh memories of the recent match of the youth team of Ukraine with Nigeria at the U20 World Cup this year.

''In Ukraine, very progressive and talented youth. So, I think that the Ukrainian team has a great chance of success in the near future.''

The German tactician added : ''The match with this team is a challenge for us. Not so long ago, I was the head coach of the Niger team, and we met with the Ukrainian team in Kiev.

''Lost then with a score of 2-1, but were very close to a draw. Of course, tomorrow we will have a difficult match, but I am positive.

''In any case, this is a test game for us, the result of which fades into the background for us.''

The Ukraine vs Nigeria friendly will be staged at the Dnipro Arena and is scheduled to kickoff at 2130 hours local time.

Igho Kingsley