Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr is expecting a difficult game against Seychelles in Asaba as he belives the team can defend well and also insisting his side want to go top of the group for the reason of the important names called-up for the inconsequential match, completesport reports.
Nigeria defeated the Pirates in Victoria 3-nil, while the 65-year-old German tactician is expecting a difficult game from the East African team due to their compact nature in defense which they displayed in their goalless draw against South Africa at the Stade Linite stadium in the outskirt of Victoria.
Speaking to Confederation of African football (CAF), former Gabonese national team coach believes the East African opponent will also be tough to breakdown in Asaba due to the nature of the pitch.
“We are still expecting a tough match as Seychelles have managed to play 0-0 against South Africa, they know how to defend well. We must be wary as we play in Asaba on a small pitch on a lawn a little high. It will not be so easy in such a context to score many goals. It will take intelligence and creativity and build on the sides.”
Rohr also defends his decision to invite his best-legs for the dead-rubber game and says the Nigeria national team wants to top the group and the team’s performance after the World Cup in Russia dosen’t give him the reason to change.
“There is a state of mind and a group that has won almost all their games since the 2018 World Cup. There was no reason to change. Except for those who will play for the under 23 who play at the same time an important match. We have the ambition to retain the lead of Group E with a win,”
The former Bordeaux manager is also anticipating the clash against Egypt after the game against Seychelles also in Asaba, Delta State. The match against the Pharaohs of Egypt is a preparatory match to the 2019 AFCON in June.
“We are waiting for a big game against an Egyptian team that will want to make an impression at the Africa Cup of Nations,” he declared.
…reveals why he dropped Mikel, Iheanacho
Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has said that he left out forward, Kelechi Iheanacho and Middlesbrough midfielder, John Obi Mikel from his squad to play Seychelles and Egypt, because of their little regular playing time and non-readiness.
Rohr has released a 23-man list for their final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Seychelles on March 22 and a friendly tie against Egypt four days later, with both players missing.
Although Iheanacho has struggled for form at the King Power Stadium, Mikel Obi has impressed since he returned to England in January. But Rohr says the 31-year-old ruled himself out of the matches.
“Kelechi [Iheanacho] needs to play in his club. He also needs to take advantage of the international truce to show his qualities to his new coach.
“I give him time but there is danger for the Africa Cup of Nations for those who do not play regularly in their club. The final list for the AFCON is far from being made for anyone.
“He [Mikel] has arrived in Middlesbrough recently. He told me he was not ready and needs to work after his knee injury in China. He did not play all winter either.
“He has been not ruled out for the AFCON but could not make the match in Asaba. We will see for the future,” Rohr told CAF website.
