Seedorf confident Cameroon can handle pressure ahead of Nigeria clash

Cameroon coach Clarence Seedorf insists neither he nor his players are feeling the pressure of defending their Africa Cup of Nations title. A second-placed finish behind Ghana, as a result of scoring fewer goals, has set up a last-16 meeting with Group B runners-up Nigeria. But with progress to the knockout stage the starting point for Cameroon’s defence to get serious Seedorf shrugged off the expectation. “Pressure is second skin for me and I am happy to be leading Cameroon to defend their title and it’s an honour playing Nigeria at Afcon,” he told a press conference. “We are glad to have qualified and we don’t feel pressure because we are used to it. “It is not new to us, trying to win. It’s normal for us. Our team is good, yet Nigeria is a top team, with lots of quality players. “It will be difficult against a good side like this, but we have what it takes to beat them. “Our target is to successfully defend our trophy and we will fight till the end to achieve our objective.” Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr is concerned about more individual errors costing them dearly in the knockout phase. A defensive mistake saw them beaten by underdogs Madagascar in their final group match, thereby surrendering top spot and a potentially-easier tie against DR Congo. “I hope we won’t have individual errors again that will cost us,” he said. “There were changes in the team to play some players and keep them in the rhythm of the competition, but now the best team have to start against Cameroon to make Nigeria proud.” Topics Cameroon, Nigeria, Clarence Seedorf, Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon, Nigeria Seedorf and Kluivert take charge of Cameroon Cameroon ‘highly motivated’ after bonus dispute, says Seedorf Samuel Eto’o visits Cameroon squad ahead of Ghana clash Mounie confident Benin can topple Cameroon and reach knockout stages Terry McPhillips resigns as Blackpool boss Neville wants a flourishing finish Arturo Vidal admits Chile lack motivation for Copa America third-place play-off Rangers midfielder McCrorie joins Portsmouth on a season-long loan Kerr given the ‘honour’ of being St Johnstone skipper for the new season Bruno Fernandes agrees personal terms with Manchester United – report New Premier League kits 2019/20: EVERY released home and away shirt Why Atletico Madrid may be forced to sell Saul Niguez to Manchester United this summer Aubameyang: Meeting Lacazette at Arsenal was “love at first sight” Friday’s big transfer rumours: Manchester United identify their Paul Pogba replacement