10 months ago
72 Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has explained how Jose Peseiro and his coaching crew neutralized Côte d’Ivoire’s attacking threat.
The Eagles had it all to play no thanks to their disappointing 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.
After a goalless first half, it was the Eagles who took the lead on 55 minutes thanks to vice captain, William Troost-Ekong, who converted a 55th minute penalty following a foul on Victor Osimhen.
The hosts did all they could to get back into the game but could not penetrate a resilient Eagles backline.
Following the win, the Eagles go second on four points behind Equatorial Guinea, who also have four points thanks to their 4-2 win against Guinea-Bissau.
“Very nice victory for the Nigerian team against Ivory Coast who were not in the game at all,” Rohr said in his post-match analysis on the X handle of former BBC reporter Osasu Obayiuwana.
“Very good organisation, 5-4-1, it was decisive (for Super Eagles) because we didn’t see the Ivory Coast strikers.
“The five defenders, two on the side did a good job and in the midfield Alex Iwobi did very well with Onyeka also Chukwueze and Lookman came back to help and were in good offensive situation as wingers when Nigeria had the ball.
“It’s a very good result, I’m happy for my former players because they’ve been so many criticism and they responded with this match against the host country.“
However, the current Benin Republic head coach cautioned the Eagles not to be complacent.
“They must be careful and remain humble because at the last AFCON they won all their group games but lost in the round of 16, each match is very important.“
On Monday, the three-time AFCON winners will take on Guinea-Bissau in their final Group A game.
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