Eagles Hopeful of More Fans Support in Tunisia than Libya
The Tuesday reverse fixture for the Nigeria vs Libya clash will be played in Tunisia – a neutral ground which may give slight advantage of more fans turnout to the three time African champions over their opponent for the AFCON 2019 qualifiers.
Eagles is expected to have the edge despite the match will be played in Sfax a geographic location not far from the Libyan border as records shows that there are larger Nigerian presence in the Tunisian city than their North African neighbours.
Libya, the Mediterranean Knights are set to be away-from-home in this AFCON fixture of their AFCON because of reasons not unconnected with the civil and political unrest in the country not serene for the duel.
Tunisia where the match will be played is also known to have some issues with Libya including political differences which have caused Libyan residual in Algeria than Tunisia which is closer in North Africa geography.
Super Eagles’ gaffer, Gernot Rohr while reckoning on the terrain said he is aware of the Nigerian tilt in Sfax, and is already expecting it to work in favour off his team.
The Franco-German tactician noted that though the venue of the return leg is close to the border that separates Libya from Tunisia, tension between both countries would prevent their supporters from making the trip.
As Rohr believes, there would be restrictions of any mass movement of Libyans across the border to watch the match, he reckons the squad will not have a much support as they would have loved to get.
He added that the level of their support the Libyans would have loved to get for the game will not be the same if the fixture has been fixed for Tripoli, the capital city of Libya.
“Sfax is not far from the Libyan border. The fans can come but I don’t envisage a big crowd for Libya. It may perhaps be a slight advantage for us(Nigeria) and I hope it will enable my players to play with relaxed minds.
“The Libyans are used to playing like that for some years now because of their political situation back home. They have beaten big teams and even drew against Tunisia away in one of their previous matches.”
The Lybia vs Nigeria will kick off by 7:pm.