Gernot Rohr has tipped his former employers, Nigeria to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon as preparation intensifies for the round of 16 clash against Tunisia.
The Super Eagles will hope to maintain the winning momentum when they square up against the North Africans on Sunday at the Roumde Adija Stadium in Garoua.
Nigeria reached the round of 16 after putting up an impressive group stage display in their quest for a fourth continental title.
Giving his verdict on the team’s chances, Rohr explained that the three-time champions possess the right players to win the title.
“Nigeria is for me the favourites to win the AFCON after the group stage. This is the team with the most legs, the most efficient. The team has been built to win for five years,” Rohr told Ouest France.
“They know each other very well. It makes me happy to see them fulfil the contract even if they have to be wary of direct elimination matches, it’s completely different.
“They must be careful not to take the easy way out. I think they can handle the pressure. It’s still a young team but it has maturity.”
Rohr was relieved of his position as Head Coach in December after a five-year spell with the Super Eagles.
During his reign, the 68-year-old qualified and led Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup in Russia and third place finish at the previous AFCON in Egypt.