AFCON failures major motivation for Eagles - Rohr
Nigeria are highly motivated to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia even though the qualifying tournament still has a long way to go, according to coach Gernot Rohr.
The Super Eagles have missed out on two straight AFCONs, but they lead their qualifying group for Russia 2018 with six points after two rounds of matches.
Cameroon have two points, while Zambia and Algeria are on a point each.
Rohr said his team are motivated to play at the World Cup in Russia.
“They are very motivated. To qualify for Russia is more than a dream, it is something they want to have, they missed another AFCON, that is difficult for a big country like Nigeria,” said the Franco-German coach.
“They are hungry, they want to go to World Cup and because they are young, they don’t have so many titles, experience in international football.
“But they will always fight for their country, they will always give their best.
“It’s a good feeling (to be top of the group), but there is still a long way to go to Russia. We still have another four games and 12 more points. We are happy but we are also humbled.”
Rohr said he is happy with the progress of the team, but at the same time admitted there is still a lot more work to be done before the World Cup qualifiers resume in August 2017.
“The players are changing but the philosophy remains the same, the players could come and go but spirit remains and this is very important for the future,” he remarked.
“We must have a stronger team in certain positions, we have some problems, we must be honest about this. Not all is perfect, there is still a lot of work to do in some positions, but we must find better solutions.”