AFCON 2019 Group B Is Difficult-Musa, Rohr

Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa has described Group B of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations as a difficult one.

 

In an interview shortly after the draws held behind the glamorous Giza Pyramids in Cairo on Friday which pitched Nigeria against Guinea, Madagascar and Burundi, Musa said having been out in the two previous editions, Group B will not be a walk in the park for the Super Eagles.

 

“I think it is a tough group for the Super Eagles. It is important for us to stay fit and avoid injuries so that everyone would be in great shape in Egypt. We have a young team who have played at the World Cup but have not played at the AFCON. For me, we are ready for any country in Egypt. It will be an interesting experience.”

 

Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr also re-echoed Musa’s opinion, hoping the players avoid injuries to be able to put up a good show in Egypt.

 

“It is a tough group and we have to be at our best and our fittest. Guinea has a young, tough team and we will have to be at our best against them. Burundi eliminated Gabon even with their Pierre Aubameyang. Madagascar was the first team to qualify. It will be a great showpiece of football but it is important for our players to avoid injuries as the season heads towards the end.”

 

All the 24 nations which qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations were drawn into six groups of four teams each. The best two teams in each group and the best four third placed teams, will qualify for the knock-out rounds

 

Of the Super Eagles’ three opponents in the group stage, Madagascar and Burundi are making their first appearances at the Cup of Nations while Guinea will be competing for 12th time. Nigeria have been to AFCON 18 times.

 

The 32nd Africa Cup of Nations kicks off from June 21 to July 19, 2019 at 6 venues‪;

the International Stadium, Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria, Suez Stadium, Ismailia Stadium and the Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.