Argentina Or Messi Cannot Stop Us – Gernot Rohr

Argentina Or Messi Cannot Stop Us – Gernot Rohr

Nigeria Coach Gernot Rohr is talking tough ahead of Tuesday’s final group D clash with Argentina where the eagles have their destiny in their hands going into the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

The German-born coach is confident his Eagles will qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup in Russia as they did four years ago in Brazil.

Rohr, 64, said a heavy load has been taken off him after a colourless start in the World Cup where Croatia whipped Nigeria 2-0, adding that the 2-0 victory over Iceland meant the three-time African champions had found their rhythm.

“I’m relieved and we are back because we have found our rhythm. We were criticised heavily and I took the criticisms in good fate. It helped us to turn things around. I know that the game against Argentina is not going to be easy,” he said.

“We’ve beaten Argentina 4-2 but it was a friendly and the great Messi was not in the team. I respect him a lot. But, with our renewed confidence, Argentina or Messi cannot stop us.

“My boys are young and are bound to make mistakes. That was the mistake they made against Croatia. They are out of it and have a new confidence. It’ll be difficult for any team to deflate that confidence now”.

Nigeria need to avoid defeat in the game against La Albiceleste to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup for the fourth time.