How Rohr Divided Fans over Ukraine vs Nigeria Showpiece

The memory of the Ukraine friendly against the Super Eagles on September 10, is still fresh on football fans in Nigeria.

They recalled it would have been victory for Nigeria in the showdown that had Nigeria lead with two goals but had ended in an unanticipated 2-2 draw.

Critiques and fans in the country have not been on the same page on how the Super Eagles had let their two goal lead slipped off. They critic Gernot Rohr had had issue of game management in the encounter.

They argued that the FIFA window match had exposed the deficiency of the Eagles German tactician stating that he is predictable with selections and substitutions, very deficient tactically and technically and lazy in management.

They also believe that Rohr had poor game rhythm which subsequently had affected the flow of the game since he made his first substitution and they had argued that was a school boy mistake.

Ukraine’s football manager and former professional footballer who played for Dynamo Kyiv, Milan, Chelsea and the Ukraine national team as a striker, Andriy Shevchenko had also stated that poor management cost Nigeria to lose their lead.

In his post match interview he had acknowledge the quality of play from both side and had though it was a victory for the visiting country already but his team had to capitalised on the handlers deficiency.

But, for ex international, Victor Ikpeba who spoke on Monday Night Football Show on Supersports, the Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr was 100% on-top of the game. He opined that the changes Rohr had made in the team’s 2-2 draw against Ukraine was on point.

The former Monaco striker and Olympic gold medalist criticized those faulting Rohr’s tactical changes in the match arguing that the result of the game shouldn’t be used as a yardstick to judge the German tactician.

“It’s a friendly game and there is no much motivation to win this game. No one will take this performance from Gernot Rohr. This is just a game to test new players and see no reason why we should be criticizing the coach or players for allowing Ukraine equalize.

“Rohr has the right to make those changes regardless of the outcome of the results. The fact that we didn’t win the game doesn’t mean that the Rohr was not good.

“Making those changes was not wrong and I believe his game management shouldn’t be criticized. I am satisfied with the performance of the game. Rohr has done a good job with the team and we should credit him despite failing to win the game.”

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