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Before the appointment of Gernot Rohr as manager of the Eagles in 2016, the team were at a low point, after failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations two years in a row in both 2015 and 2017.

Understandably, fans were sceptical of their ability to qualify for the 2018 Russia World Cup, especially considering they were drawn in a tough group comprising Zambia, Cameroon and Algeria.

In spite of these difficulties, the appointment of Rohr to head coach breathed new life into the squad.

The German manager’s recruitment of talented young players such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho raised the team to new heights, allowing them to reach the 2018 World Cup undefeated, where they happened to miss out on the knockout stage after a narrow defeat at the hands of Argentina in their final group match.

Nigeria have been drawn in group C alongside Liberia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic in round two of the African Qualifiers.

Rohr has faith in his ability to lead the team to Qatar 2022, but this confidence must be met with a tinge of caution.

The German coach has taken a pragmatic approach and voiced his respect for the opposition in this statement he made to FIFA representatives: “The group is tough, but we believe in our capabilities.

We qualified from the group of death for Russia 2018, and we’re confident we can make it this time as well”.

The German coach confirmed in May that he would renew his managerial contract with the west Africa team, agreeing to a two-and-a-half year extension with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The German tactician will remain as the Super Eagles’ manager until the end of the 2022 World Cup, and is hopeful that he can take Nigeria beyond the round of 16.

Qualification to the World Cup as well as winning the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations are part of the conditions inserted in his new contract.

Despite his relative record with the team, many Nigerians still have doubts over his ability to achieve the huge task set before him by the NFF