Samuel Kalu : Defeat To Madagascar Is A Wake-Up Call To Super Eagles

Published: July 01, 2019

Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr handed Samuel Kalu his first start of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in a 2-0 loss to Madagascar on Sunday evening despite concerns about the winger's health.

It will be recalled that the Bordeaux star collapsed in training a day before the Super Eagles opener against Burundi and it later came to light that he has a history of heart irregularities.

Kalu was a shadow of himself against Madagascar and had to make way for another Golden Boot Soccer Academy product Moses Simon in the 73rd minute.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after yesterday's game, Kalu said : ''I am very happy today to start a game with the team, so I feel excited. In the round of 16, we will do our best.

''I must say we did not believe this at all, it is a wake-up call to us, to be ready and sharp for the round of 16.''

The Super Eagles finished second in Group B and will discover their round of 16 opponents on July 2 after the final group matches are played in Group F.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel