Gernot Rohr has told SCORENigeria that after a long and demanding season in Europe added to the heat in Egypt at this time of the year, it will be the fittest team who will be crowned AFCON champions in July.
The Franco-German coach has therefore been putting the Super Eagles through an intensive physical test in Asaba ahead of the tournament in Egypt.
He said: “We have to work hard. We have to be fit because only the fittest team have the chance to win the AFCON.
“We want to be fit, we want to be ready.
“Conditions for today’s training (Wednesday) were very good and that was why we did a long and intensive training.”
Rohr also admitted he will be faced with selection headache as he has to drop two players from the provisional squad of 25 players at the weekend.
“Everybody wants to be at the AFCON and at the same time, we have to drop two players and as such competition has been open,” he told SCORENigeria
“It will be difficult for me and my staff to choose the final 23 because everybody is doing so well.”
Leon Balogun trained alone today, but Rohr said it was because the Brighton defender is nursing blisters on his foot and it was not a major concern.
Katsina United goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa was also injured in training with Rohr saying he hopes it was not serious.
Odion Ighalo and William Ekong will join the training camp Thursday afternoon to complete the provisional squad called up for the AFCON.
