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| Gernot Rohr |
Football
Super Eagles’ Technical
Adviser, Gernot Rohr has praised his young charges for never giving up and
eventually ending on a high against Africa’s second ranked team, Senegal in a
friendly in London on Thursday.
“It is never the result
that matters in a friendly match; it is the attitude of the players and what
they bring to the game. I am satisfied with our whole attitude and the fact
that after going down by a goal, we were mentally strong enough to come back
and eventually ended the match on a high.
“You must also consider
that we were missing key players like Carl (Ikeme), (Victor) Moses and the
captain (Mikel John Obi). We put out a couple of players who had not featured
for us before, like (Olanrewaju) Kayode and (Isaac) Success.
“We had to deal with
goalkeeping issue and Daniel (Akpeyi) did not have any training with the team.
(Ikechukwu) Ezenwa came on the eve of the match and also did not train. It was
difficult planning for the game but I am satisfied with what we came up with and
how we approached the game.”
The Franco-German, who has
won three of four matches with the three –time African champions, drawing the
other, specially applauded the output of the defenders as well as Ahmed Musa
and Kelechi Iheanacho in the attack.
“It is a fact that Leon
(Balogun), (William) Ekong and Elderson (Echiejile) had not been playing
regularly in their clubs, and even Kenneth (Omeruo) who had been active was
played in a different role. (Ahmed) Musa and Kelechi (Iheanacho) had also not
been playing much. So, it was tough for them at the start but they picked up
well and showed good character.
“Our captain (Ogenyi
Onazi) went off injured after only 20 minutes. We had to choose between (John)
Ogu and (Oghenekaro) Etebo, we opted for Ogu because of the stature of the
Senegalese and I think he did well. Now, we know we have some strength-in-depth
and that is very good for planning.
“I am also delighted with
the confidence level of Wilfred (Ndidi).”
Looking ahead to Monday’s
game against the Etalons, Rohr told thenff.com: “It is a different game
altogether. I coached them before coming to Nigeria and I know they are not so
much physical but a very technical team.
“You think of players like
Bertrand Traore (who is with Chelsea FC of England but loaned to Ajax
Amsterdam) and also Nakoulma who was impressive at the Africa Cup of Nations in
Gabon, as well as Alain Traore, (Aristide) Bance and the young goalkeeper
(Herve Koffi).
“It is going to be an
interesting match but we will be at our best.”
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