Ghana 2008: Eagles are favourites - Leroy

By Ade Somefun, Associate Editor, who was in Accra, Ghana - 22.10.2007

Karlsruhes's Christian Timm (right), challenges
for the ball with Bielefeld's Matthias Langkamp
during the German first division Bundesliga
match between Karlsruher SC and Arminia
Bielefeld in Karlsruhe, Germany, on Sunday.
AP PHOTO

THE chief coach of Ghana Black Stars, Frenchman Claude Le Roy has said that he has a lot of respect for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Le Roy, speaking to Tribunesports at the end of the 2008 Nations Cup draw held last Friday at the International Conference Centre, Accra, commented that Nigeria was blessed with quality players in top leagues in Europe adding that the Eagles were one of the favourites to win the competition.

“I must be sincere with you, I have profound respect for Nigeria,” Le Roy stated.

The Ghana coach acknowledged the fact that teams like Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Nigeria and Ghana were the teams to beat at the Nations Cup, adding that Angola and Zambia were the teams that could spring surprises during the championship.

Coach Le Roy, speaking on the chances of his team, said that he knew Ghana was favourite to win the cup but added that he was more concerned about qualifying from the group.

“We know we have a good chance as our group is not the toughest in the competition. We expect a good challenge from Guinea in the opening match of the competition on January 20, and we will surely beat them.

“I can assure you that Namibia and the Morocco will also fall victim,” he noted. “But to be candid, I think and I hope we can win the cup but every other coach also thinks the same way,” Le Roy stated.