Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr has turned his attention on Nigeria’s next Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, despite a friendly lying before then against Liberia.
The Eagles battle away to Liberia in an international friendly to honour the West African neighbours’ president, George Opong Weah, but Rohr says the real deal for his in the next AFCON 2019 qualifier against Libya.
Rather than dwell on Tuesday’s friendly in Monrovia and keep celebrating Saturday’s 3-0 spanking of Seychelles at their backyard, the Franco-German tactician is already thinking of whipping the Libyans as well on October 10 in Kaduna.
Rohr, though, reflected on Saturday’s match, as he hailed the duo of Chidozie Awaziem and Semi Ajayi for filling adequately into the right full back’s position as well as Samuel Kalu for making an impact on the wings.
Awaziem scored Nigeria’s second goal on Saturday at Stade Linite in Victoria, while Kalu won the penalty that was converted by Odion Jude Ighalo for the third, after which Rohr said he was happy to see the alternatives stepping in for missing lads.
The Eagles were faced with a crisis for a reliably right back ahead of the game, following the non-availability of three defenders at the pecking order for that role, as Abdullahi Shehu, Tyronne Ebuehi and Ola Aina were all missing due to injuries.
However, Rohr said Awaziem gave a good account of himself after opening his goals count in Nigeria’s colours during his fifth game.
Similarly, Bordeaux winger, Kalu started and was in action for 85 minutes before he was replaced by Henry Onyekuru while Ajayi got his debut with 17 minutes left on the clock.
Rohr stated: ”It is interesting that the group is progressing and finding new possibilities to replace some of our players.
”Our good attitude, our good football, we were missing some players like the captain Obi Mikel, Ekong and Ola Aina, so we had some problems in the fullback position but they did it well.
”We found some new players. Kalu had an interesting performance and also Ajayi, who did very well in his position as a defender.
”Awaziem even scored the goal from his position; we had the same spirit which we had in the World Cup.
”It was important for me to see we continue with the positive attitude against an aggressive opponent, it wasn’t easy on this pitch.
”But we did it well, now we have our three points and can prepare quietly for our two matches against Libya.
”Tenth of October is near, we will have our injured players like Ekong, Ola Aina, Obi Mikel will be fit also. “
