Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has been calling his players on phone to remind his players on the need to stay focused for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zambia billed for October 3.

Gernot Rohr

Rohr with a mandate to qualify the Eagles for the World Cup from a tight group is hoping to make a good start to the campaign in Ndola, Zambia.

“Rohr has been in touch with the players, checking up on them and encouraging them ahead of the World Cup showdown in Zambia next month,” a top official informed.

“He wishes to raise their confidence and self-esteem by this personal contact.”

Rohr made his debut with the Eagles during an Africa Cup of Nations clash against Tanzania in Uyo, where the Eagles laboured to a 1-0 win. He said the team was lacking self confidence. However, he is hopeful that a good result will lift the team.

“The confidence has not been there because the team failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, but when results start to come, the confidence will return,” he said.

“It is a difficult challenge (to qualify for the World Cup). Nigeria are not the favourites after we did not qualify for the last two AFCONs, but we hope to be at the World Cup.”

Rohr is expected to draw up his list this week.