AFCON

THREE YEARS ON THE SADDLE, ROHR SAYS HIS TEAM IS STILL YOUNG

Published

5 years ago

July 16, 2019

Just as he said after the Super Eagles under performed at the Russia 2018 World Cup, Nigeria’s manager, Gernot Rohr is still singing the same song, claiming his team will learn and later mature.

According to CAF publication, Rohr, though hugely disappointed that the Super Eagles could not get into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations he has chosen to look at the positives, believing his young side will learn from their experiences and misgivings.

The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Algeria in a tightly contested semi-final in Cairo on Sunday night, conceding a late Riyad Mahrez masterpiece of a freekick.

“I think this team has come a long way after making a good world cup. We can be proud of our performances,” said Rohr who led the Eagles to an AFCON return for the first time since they won the title in 2013.

The tactician stated that the main difference between them and Algeria in the semis was the experience.

“We have to work more and we have to learn with this young team. I think sometimes a little bit of experience cost us in the game especially because our midfielders Etebo and Ndidi are very young,”

“They need to learn better in terms of communicating and pressing the game. These are lessons that we take home and I am sure we will be better. I started this journey when I was appointed to rebuild with young players and we have come from a long way,” the German tactician further stated.

Looking back at the tie, Rohr was dejected that they could not respond to Algeria’s tactical pressing, saying they made a better second half but were unlucky not to see the game go into extra time.

“It was a great fight until the last minute. Algeria had a better first half than us but we came back in the second half. We thought Algeria could be tired in extra time and we could win it.

“We are sad that we lost of course, but congratulations to Algeria. We won the last game against South Africa late and today we lost late. That is football,” the tactician further added.

Nigeria will now shift their focus to Wednesday evening’s third and fourth place play-off match against Tunisia at Al Salam Stadium and Rohr hopes in the least, his players will go back home with a medal around their necks.

AFCON

Against Benin and officiated by Issa Sy, Osimhen equals Segun Odegbami’s feat

Published

8 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Kunle Solaja

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

13 November 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier: Osimhen’s 1st goal: Nigeria 1-1 Benin Republic; Referee: Issa Sy of Senegal

14 November 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier: Osimhen’s 23rd goal: Benin Republic 1-1 Nigeria; Referee: Issa Sy of Senegal

Victor Osimhen’s 81st-minute goal against the Benin Republic on Thursday night in Abidjan did not only save the face of the Super Eagles from a possible defeat, it is also a milestone goal.

It was his 23^rd goal for Nigeria in 37 appearances. With the goal, he becomes Nigeria’s joint-second all-time top scorer, having matched Segun Odegbami’s 23-goal record.

Only Rashidi Yekini with 37 goals scored more. Incidentally, Osimhen opened his scoring for Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match with Benin Republic in 2019 when he scored his first Nigerian goal, a penalty kick that brought the scoreline to 1-1 in the 45th minute.

Like it was on Thursday 14 November in Abidjan, the 13 November 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Benin Republic was also refereed by Senegal’s Issa Sy.

What an irony! Libya handed Nigeria AFCON ticket

AFCON

Osimhen saves the face of already qualified Super Eagles as Group D 2nd ticket goes down the wire!

Published

9 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Kunle Solaja

A late goal from Victor Osimhen saved the day for the Super Eagles who forced a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan which had hitherto become Benin Republic’s slaughter ground of visiting teams.

After a ferocious opening by the Super Eagles, the Benin Republic suddenly turned the tide as defender Mohammed Tijani surged forward to beat the Nigerian defence line in the 16th minute.

With the goal, it was the first time that the Super Eagles had conceded in the series and it looked as if Benin had also picked a ticket, moving to a 9-point haul that would have been unassailable by either Rwanda and Libya even if they win their respective last matches on Monday.

As they held on tenaciously to the lead, Victor Osimhen leaped high in between two Beninese defenders to nod in a cross from Simon Moses from the left flank.

That changed the narrative as Benin will now have to play hard to pick a qualification ticket on Monday when they meet Libya.

But it is still advantage for Benin Republic owing to their better goal difference. Even if they are beaten by Libya and tie at seven points apiece, Libya will need a heavy scoreline to wipe off their current deficit of four.

The second ticket from Group D is still open to the trio of Benin, Rwanda and Libya. But it is advantageous Benin. All could end up with seven points apiece if Libya beat Benin Republic and Rwanda beat Nigeria in Uyo.

AFCON

What an irony! Libya handed Nigeria AFCON ticket

Published

11 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The matchday 4 of Libya and Nigeria was akin to a war as the Super Eagles were literally held hostage for 20 hours at an abandoned airport. The treatment meted to the Super Eagles made it impossible for the match to go on.

The Libyan actions generated global outrage. The Confederation of Africa (CAF) consequently awarded the match to Nigeria.

Paradoxically, the award and Libya’s win over Rwanda have taken a lot of burden off the Super Eagles as they pick qualification tickets, even with two matches to spare. The worst-case scenario for them is to place second on the Group D log.

Libya snatched a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, thanks to a late strike by Fahd Saad Mohamed.

The game was closely contested, with both sides creating chances but struggling to find the back of the net.

Rwanda’s Innocent Nshuti came close on several occasions, but Libyan goalkeeper Bader Hassan stood firm.

The win pushed Libya up to four points, although they remain at the bottom of Group D, while Rwanda stays in third with five points