Following the AFCON 2019 draws which took place in Egypt on Friday that placed Nigeria in group B alongside Guinea, Burundi and Madagascar, the Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Genort Rohr has harped on the need for his players to stay fit ahead of the Africa soccer showpiece.

Speaking after the draws, Rohr said,

“It is a tough group and we have to be at our best and our fittest. Guinea has a young, tough team and we will have to be at our best against them. Burundi eliminated Gabon even with their Pierre Aubameyang. Madagascar was the first team to qualify. It would be a great showpiece of football but it is important for our players to avoid injuries as the season heads towards the end.”

Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ captain Ahmed Musa said: “I think it is a tough group for the Super Eagles. It is important for us to stay fit and avoid injuries so that everyone would be in great shape in Egypt. We have a young team who have played at the World Cup but have not played at the AFCON. For me, we are ready for any country in Egypt. It would be an interesting experience.”

At the draw ceremony conducted against the background of the Giza Pyramids in Cairo on Friday evening, all the teams qualified for the biggest Africa Cup of Nations finals in history (24 in all) were drawn into six groups of four teams each.

Of the Super Eagles’ three opponents in the group stage, Madagascar and Burundi are debutants, while Guinea, who picked silver ahead of Nigeria at the league-format 1976 AFCON in Ethiopia, are making their 12^thappaearance. Nigeria are going for their 18^th appearance.

Hosts Egypt, also with the most wins (7) must negotiate a tricky Group A against two –time winners DR Congo, Uganda and Zimbabwe, while Senegal head Group C that also has 1990 champions Algeria, Kenya and Tanzania.

Group D appears the toughest section with Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and Namibia, and 2004 champions Tunisia tackle Mali, Mauritania and Angola in Group E.

Cup holders Cameroon (five-time winners) are up against four –time champions Ghana, Benin Republic and Guinea-Bissau in Group F.

Matches of the 32^nd Africa Cup of Nations finals, set for 21^st June – 19^th July, will take place at the Cairo International Stadium, Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria, Suez Stadium, Ismailia Stadium and the Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

The two top –placed teams in each group, as well as the best four thirs –placed teams, will qualify for the knock-out rounds.

GROUP A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe

GROUP B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi

GROUP C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania

GROUP D: Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Namibia

GROUP E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola

GROUP F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin Republic, Guinea Bissau