Rohr happy with Eagles’ strong mental attitude, says Burkina Faso match going to be different

Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has praised his players for not giving up and eventually ending on a high against 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,” he told the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) website.

Rohr also pointed at the fact that the team was without many of its key and regular players, and featured first-timers in the match against Africa’s second-ranked team.

“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,” he added.

The coach however acknowledged that it was difficult planning for the game, even though he was satisfied with what they came up with and the approach to the game.

The Franco-German, who has won three of four matches with the Eagles, drawing the other, specially applauded the output of the defenders as well as Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho.

“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,’’ he said.

Rohr however said there were some positives from the game, even in the face of some daunting challenges.

“Our captain (Ogenyi Onazi) went off injured after only 20 minutes.

“We had to choose between (John) Ogu and (Oghenekaro) Etebo, and we opted for Ogu because of the stature of the opponents (Senegal) 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 said: “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).”

“There is also Nakoulma who was impressive at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 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.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria drew 1-1 with Senegal on Thursday, after Iheanacho’s 82nd minute goal cancelled out Moussa Sow’s 54th minute goal.

 

Source: NAN