Rohr Reveals Nine Super Eagles Stars Were Nervous In Opening Match Vs Croatia
Published: June 20, 2018Gernot Rohr says nine players named in the starting lineup were nervous playing in their first World Cup match against Croatia last weekend and this contributed to their loss to the Balkans.
The Super Eagles stars that started a World Cup game for the first time in their careers are : Francis Uzoho, Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Abdullahi Shehu, Brian Idowu, Oghenekaro Etebo, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Odion Ighalo.
''9 out of the 11 players in the starting line-up against Croatia played their first World Cup match,'' Rohr told reporters at Wednesday afternoon's press conference.
''Of course, nerves played a role there. But we worked on our set-pieces – both the offensive and the defensive ones. We know that we need to improve them.''
The German added : ''Our group is a tough one - the best in this World Cup, in my opinion. We should always keep that in mind. Croatia has one of the best midfields in the world.
''If you consider that, our organization wasn’t so bad. Croatia’s first goal was an own goal. Their first shot on target was in the 71st minute and it was a penalty. Therefore, we need to stay calm and focus on the next game."
The Super Eagles held their final training session on Wednesday afternoon in Essentuki before they fly to Volgograd tomorrow morning for the match with Iceland.
Igho Kingsley
Latest News
- U17 EURO: Arsenal kid Obi-Martin named in Denmark squad; hopes to emulate Victor Moses, Solanke
- Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea? Napoli striker Osimhen picks his preferred destination
- 'He does miss opportunities' - Ex-Celtic star slams Rangers striker Dessers ahead of Old Firm derby
- 'When I'm gone, you gonna miss me' - Aston Villa target Iheanacho drops huge hint on his Leicester future
- '2 clean sheets and 7 goals' - Madueke believes Chelsea have hit good form in time for finale to season
- 'That's why we had to take him off' - Rangers boss confirms Leon Balogun has suffered an injury
- Chuba Akpom comments on his future with Ajax amid Nottingham Forest and Fulham interest
- Nigerian exports: Akpom, Boniface, Madueke strike; Adewoye, Oluwaseyi goals help RKC, MNUFC set club records
- Akor Adams: Turkish giants Besiktas have zero chance of signing Montpellier striker this summer
- U17 EURO: Arsenal midfielder Junaid emulates former Young Lionesses forward Ashleigh Plumptre
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football