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AFCON 2021 Qualifier: Anxiety Mounts In Super Eagles’ Camp Over Boat Trip To Cotonou On Saturday

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…Team’s Technical Adviser, Rohr, Allays Fear

 

By Boye Ajayi

There has been great anxiety in the camp of the Super Eagles ahead of their Nation’s Cup 2021 Qualifier crack against Squirrels of Benin Republic following the plan by NFF to transport them to Cotonou, Benin Republic by boat, reports Persecondnews.

Investigation in the Eagles’camp at Eko Hotel revealed that the decision to travel to Cotonou on Saturday by boat was scary to some of the players who have phobia for water.

A source, who pledged anonymity told Persecondnews that his colleagues are not happy about the development.

“Some of the players are not feeling safe about the boat trip to Cotonou, but they are just keeping quiet in the interest of the nation they are representing,” the source said.

Another player, who does not want to be seen as a rebel, told Persecondnews that in view of the importance of the assignment, NFF should have planed for air travel, saying” nobody likes taking risk at all, but we have to sacrifice for Nigeria.”

Also, one of the Europe based players, said though the Eagles don’t cherish the arrangement, ‘the die is cast” with NFF boss Amaju Pinnic and Coach Gernet Rohr who had earlier made an advance to the venue by both, stating “we have no choice to abide by the decision.”

However, Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr has said that his players will enjoy the boat trip to Cotonou for Saturday’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Benin.

Persecondnews recalls that the players have raised concerns over the boat trip to the neighbouring country.

The gaffer has, however, assured it is the best way to travel to Cotonou for the game.

“It will be the best way to go there,” Rohr said.“Last Saturday, I made the trip and we were flying on the water.

“It was so quick and calm.”The Super Eagles depart for Cotonou on Saturday morning.

Meanwhile Super Eagles defender, Chidozie Awaziem said the team was determined to defeat the Squirrels of Benin in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.

Awaziem spoke ahead of the crucial encounter in Porto-Novo on March 27.

The Boavista of Portugal defender said that the Super Eagles have no choice than to beat Benin at home to book the automatic ticket for the AFCON tournament in Cameroon.

“Based on the last performance we had in the game in Benin we are hoping this time around to correct the mistake.

“We are hoping to get the victory in this game to make sure the team is qualified for the AFCON. Everyone is ready and we are all fit to fight and get the points,” he said.

 

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