Nigerians hail Rohr in Eagles defeat of Zambia
Super Eagles’ 2-1 away victory over Zambia has kept the Nigerian new media space buzzing with commendations for Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr and his team for the tactical play of the team exposed to high humidity of about 35 degrees Celsius in Ndolo, Zambia.
They particularly applauded Rohr for starting the rising young talents in Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho in place of older but out of form players.
Incidentally, it was two first half goals by Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho that gave the Super Eagles a 2-1 win over Zambia on Sunday, October 10. Nigeria squared up against Zambia in the match-day one of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Ndola and started with the two most in-form young players in the Premier League. Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr deployed Iwobi at the left wing while Iheanacho played between the midfield and striker Brown Ideye.
The Arsenal and Manchester City players repaid Rohr’s faith as they impressed in the win.
The Super Eagles playing in their traditional away kit started on the back foot as the Zambians dominated the early proceedings. The Chipolopolo got their first chance in the second minute with Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme saved a dangerous corner that was heading inside the next.
Kenneth Omeruo stopped a Zambia attack after captain John Mikel Obi was dispossessed in the 11th minute of the game.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria got their first chance in the 15th after Iwobi played a fantastic pass to Brown Ideye.
The striker was one on one with the goalkeeper but his effort went wide before he adjudged to be offside.
Elderson Echiejile stepped in to clear the lines in the 19th minute as the Zambians kept pressing the Super Eagles.
Collins Mbesuma scored Zambia’s only goal in their 2-1 loss to Super Eagles.
The Super Eagle, however, held the 2-1 lead for the remaining 20 minutes of the game to take all the tree points. They host Algeria next in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.