Rohr's Message To Super Eagles Fans : Hat-Trick Hero Vs Libya Ighalo Unfairly Criticized

At Saturday evening's post-match press conference, one of the topics for discussion was the brilliant performance of Odion Ighalo, who bagged his first international hat-trick against the Libyans.

Assuming several Super Eagles fans had their way, the former Watford man would not have been on the pitch as he had not been forgiven for that miss against Argentina at the 2018 World Cup.

Manager Gernot Rohr was delighted that Ighalo silenced his critics once and for all, he spoke about the leadership qualities of Ahmed Musa and touched upon the international retirement of Victor Moses.

''I am very happy for Odion Ighalo because he has been unfairly criticized in the social media. I’m really happy that he gave a good response on the pitch.

''We also have new in Ahmed Musa who is leading the team in another style from John Mikel Obi, but he is younger and fresh. I think the team is on the right path.

''This team will be happy to receive the experienced players back. The likes of Elderson Echiejile, Victor Moses and Mikel. The average age was 24.

''We missed key players in Moses and Mikel Obi. We had two new players in the team, Samuel Kalu and Jamilu Collins who did well.''

Since the end of the 2018 World Cup, Ighalo has netted 16 goals in 16 matches for club and country, more than any player in the Super Eagles squad.

Igho Kingsley