Rohr Rates Onuachu's Performance On Eagles Debut; The Two Players He Missed Vs Seychelles

Published: March 23, 2019

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has opined that FC Midtjylland star Paul Onuachu impressed on his competitive debut for the national team given the circumstances, as the opponents opted to play a defensive game.

The 2.01 meters tall striker, who had been part of the Nigeria U23 setup in the past, came off the bench in the 65th minute as replacement for Stoke City's Oghenekaro Etebo.

''It was difficult for him to come in the first match against a defensive team but with his height, headers and fighting spirit, he tried,'' said Rohr.

''This game is for us to try new players because we already qualified, that's why he was invited, perhaps you can see him against next Tuesday.''

Bordeaux's Samuel Kalu was a late withdrawal from the Super Eagles 23-man squad owing to injury and family reasons while Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze was drafted into the Olympic squad, and Rohr lamented the absence of the two wingers.

''I know my team , of course. If I invite players, I know them. The team can still move, me missed today a very good player like Kalu. We missed also Chukwueze.

''You know that I let two players Chukwueze and Azubuike for the U23 team, and I will help them again on Monday.

''This is a big challenge but they can do it, 3-0 in the second leg,'' added Rohr.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel