Rohr rejects Kaduna stadium for Eagles AFCON qualifier

By Amaechi Agbo

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has ruled out the use of Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna to stage a crucial 2019 AFCON qualifier against Libya next month describing the stadium as “too small” to host such caliber of match.
Rohr has already visited the ABS with top officials, but said the pitch at the stadium is not big enough for his wingers to run at the Libyan defenders.
Nigeria welcome Group E leaders Libya on October 10 with the reverse fixture three days later.
And the Eagles coach has demanded for a big pitch to allow his team express themselves fully against the North Africans.
Nigeria last played an international match at the ABS Kaduna on March 25, 2016 during the last home match in the 2017 AFCON qualifier. Nigeria took the lead courtesy of a 60 minutes goal from Oghenekaro Etebo but Egypt’s forward, Mohammed Salah equalised at the 90 minutes to end the score 1-1 draw. The home draw ensured that the Super Eagles lost out in the Gabon 2017 AFCON after losing 0-1 in the reverse fixtures few days later.
With Uyo International Stadium not ready due to renovation works, the newly reconstructed Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State is the next likely option for the gaffer.
The Super Eagles gave their 2019 AFCON berth a new hope after defeating the Pirates of Seychelles 0-3 on Saturday to remain 3rd in their group with leaders Libya and second-placed South Africa in second with 4 points apiece.