Ex-Nigeria coach Rohr namechecks five Super Eagles players that impressed him in win against CIV

Former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has namechecked five players that impressed him in the Super Eagles hard-fought 1-0 win over Ivory Coast in their second group game of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

In the titanic clash at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, the Super Eagles secured three points courtesy of William Troost-Ekong who converted a spot kick awarded in the 55th minute after Victor Osimhen was fouled in the area. 

Rohr was pleased with the way Jose Peseiro set up his team,  in a 5-4-1 tactical system which solidified the defence and nullified the threat of the Elephant strikers. 

The former Bayern Munich defender rubbished the notion that Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze were a shadow of themselves against Ivory Coast, saying he was really impressed with their performances. 

Rohr, who was in the Super Eagles dugout at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, also namechecked Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen as he spoke about Nigeria's deserved win against the Elephants. 

Speaking to Guardian UK writer, Osasu Obayiuwana, Rohr said: "Very nice victory of the Nigerian team against Ivory Coast who was not in the game at all. Very good organization  5-4-1. It was decisive because we didn't see the Ivorian strikers at all and the five defenders - three central defenders, two on the sides - did a good job.

"In the midfield Alex Iwobi did very well with Onyeka. On both sides, Chukwueze and Lookman came back to help and could be in a good offensive situation like winger when Nigeria had the ball. 

"It's a very good result. I'm happy for my former players because they had been so many criticisms in the past but they answered with this big match against the host country.

"But they should be careful, still be modest and humble, because in the last AFCON they won the three games in the group and then it was finished. 

"Each match is very, very important but now they can say they are already qualified. I enjoyed the game of Chukwueze also, he deserves to start the match and of course Osimhen is always able to score a goal."

Rohr is not in Ivory Coast as a tourist as he is believed to be attending the games to do some opposition scouting on Nigeria and South Africa ahead of the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 
 

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