AFCON 2019: Eagles urge to begin early preparations

Christian Chukwu, former Green Eagles Captain and former Super Eagles Coach on Sunday urged the Super Eagles to begin now to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) billed for Cameroon next year.

Chukwu who spoke in Abuja said that only early preparations could guarantee the Super Eagles success in the tournament.

He called on Gernot Rohr to commence the search for new players required to build a better and stronger team.

“This is the time for the coach to begin to search for skilled players who have what is needed in the team.

“They have a long time to prepare and, therefore, there will be no excuse after all,’’ Chukwu said.

According to him, Nigeria has a bunch of talented and sensational players who are capable of facing any team in the world.

Read also: South Africa made it difficult for Eagles-Rohr

The super Eagles qualified for the Nations Cup on Saturday after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Johannesburg.

Gernot Rohr boys will face Seychelles in a second leg match in March in Nigeria.

A win in March over Seychelles, whom they beat 3-0 in Victoria in September, will set the Super Eagles far ahead of either Libya or South Africa.

The Bafana Bafana need to draw against Libya, who will host them in Tunisia in March, in order to stay second and gain qualification.

The Mediterranean Knights (Libyan national team) need a win to finish in second place too and they look likely to get it based on current form, with South Africa going on to miss another AFCON appearance.