Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba has urged Gernot Rohr to fortify his midfield ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon.
The three-time African champions wrapped up their 2018 campaign with a goalless draw at home with Uganda at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba Delta State on Tuesday. Ikpeba notes that there were positives from the fringe players who featured in the encounter despite the result.
Rohr made six changes to his starting line-up that played against Bafana Bafana in Johannesburg, with Semi Ajayi, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Mikel Agu making their first start while Bryan Idowu and Daniel Akpeyi returned to action after sitting out the team’s last three games.
“We need to see more from Osimhen, Success and Onyekuru,” the 1996 Africa Footballer of the Year said during his post-match analysis on Supersports tv after the international friendly game between Super Eagles and Uganda Cranes.
“Ajayi did well in his first start. With Mikel, Ighalo and hopefully Moses back in the team, the Super Eagles will be very formidable.
“Samuel Kalu’s performance so far has not made us miss Moses. He brings an element of surprise to the team and also his crosses are very good.
“The transition of this team from the midfield to the attack remains the weakest link of the team.
“We are not quick enough. If we get our transition right, we will be unbeatable in Cameroon.
“We have to do well in Cameroon after missing out on two editions. We will be a threat in Cameroon with the qualities we have, but we must be ready.
“Egypt, Mali, Senegal, Tunisia are there; they will be there to compete.”
The former Monaco and Borussia Dortmund forward would also predict that the Super Eagles will reach the semi-finals of the 2019 AFCON.
“Winning the AFCON will be difficult and I think the last four will be a good outing for the Super Eagles,” Ikpeba reiterated.
“With a game to spare, they qualified for the AFCON. The players were showed patriotism to get this result. The boys reacted positively. There’s unity and love among the players.”
“We need continuity and that has helped the team as well.”