By Adeboye Amosu:
Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has admitted that his team were lucky to secure a win against Poland in Friday’s friendly and warned that the result of the game will have little effect on how they will fare at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
The three-time African champions pipped their hosts 1-0 at the Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw courtesy of Victor Moses’ 61st minutes penalty.
“We were lucky to have won this game. Poland created at least four good opportunities, and we scored a penalty,” Rohr said during his post-match interview.
“We were a well-organized team, we had problems in our own penalty box a number of times and our opponents were better in the air, but our young goalkeeper, who made his first start did well.
“We won the match without our captain Mikel Obi. It was the first time we won a game in his absence.
“We lost at home against South Africa (Africa Nations Cup qualifier) when he was not available.”
The win extended Nigeria’s run in pre- 2018 FIFA World Cup friendlies to two wins following last November’s impressive 4-2 win against two-time world champions Argentina.
Rohr however stated that he has warned his players not to get too excited ahead of the mundial.
“Following this win against Poland, the sixth team in the FIFA ranking, I have warned my players against too much optimism,” stated the former Bordeaux of France manager.
“Despite this win, we will not see ourselves as one of the favorites to win the the World Cup, even qualification to the knockout phase is uncertain.
“We will remain a humble team. In the game, two players sustained injuries and it was not a “friendly” meeting. No one wanted to let anyone go, both teams wanted to win, hence many fouls.
“We can learn from the European teams on the pitch, their positioning, discipline and organization. We must also remember that at the World Cup we will be one of the youngest teams.”
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The post Rohr Admits Eagles Were Lucky To Beat Poland, Plays Down World Cup Chances appeared first on Complete Sports Nigeria.
Rohr Admits Eagles Were Lucky To Beat Poland, Plays Down World Cup Chances
