By Boluwatife Ezekiel Olaleye
Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has revealed he would begin the 2018 FIFA World Cup preparations with 35 players.
The German tactician that there would be up to three or four players available in each position.
Rohr who was at the CHAN to keep an eye on the home based Eagles, stated that there is still a lot to assess before the final list is decided for the World Cup, and that the home based player will be given a chance to prove themselves as they have done well at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
According to Complete Sports Rohr said, “The idea is to have three players for every position in camp from where I would probably pick the best two each and three of the five goalkeepers for the World Cup in Russia. Some home based players competing at CHAN in Morocco will join the camp because of their good showing so far in the African cup of Nations championship.”
Rohr also revealed that he has set a target of a quarter-final appearances for the Super Eagles hence only the best players will represent the country at the tournament.
“We have set a target to reach the quarter final of the World Cup and for this reason, we have taken only the best players who are fit and in good form. We have a good program going to Russia with series of friendly games that will put us in shape for the World Cup” Rohr said
The 64-year-old also stated the impressive form of goalkeepers, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Ajiboye stating that it is good for the country going into the World Cup.
He said, “We have set a target to reach the quarter final of the World Cup and for this reason, we have taken only the best players who are fit and in good form. We have a good program going to Russia with series of friendly games that will put us in shape for the World Cup.”
Nigeria will begin its World Cup preparatory matches, against Poland on Friday, March 23.