RUSSIA 2018 WORLD CUP: Musa, Uzoho, my BEST- Rohr
Nigeria’s senior soccer team’s manager Gernot Rohr has rated Super Eagles winger Ahmed Musa as one of his best players at the Russia 2018 World Cup, where he scored a brace for the country against Iceland in the second Group D game which Eagles won 2-0 inside the Volgograd Stadium.
Rohr showered praises on Musa for quickly overcoming the Ramadan fast to produce a world class performance against the much taller Icelandic side, which gave Nigeria a glimmer of hope to qualify for the Round of 16 stage, until the late goal scored by Argentina’s left back Rojo in the 93rd minute in their last group game which sent Nigeria packing.
Argentina won the game 2-1, with Lionel Messi scoring the first goal in the 10th minute, only for Victor Moses to convert a penalty kick in the 48th minute of the second half inside the Saint Petersburg Stadium.
Musa wasn’t the only player Rohr commended as he spared no word in describing how a hitherto rookie goalkeeper Francis Uzoho shone like a million stars against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina, despite the unfriendly setting in the three stadia where Nigeria prosecuted her World Cup matches in Russia.
When it came to evaluating John Mikel Obi’s performances, words failed Rohr as he stammered, apparently unable to express himself properly in English about the Super Eagles’ captain’s contributions to the team at the Mundial.
Rohr’s situation was expected, especially after Mikel told everyone that he hid the story of his father being held captive with kidnappers in Enugu, hours before Nigeria lost 2-1 to Argentina inside the Saint Petersburg Stadium.
‘‘I hope he can still be around with this fantastic crop of players. I want Mikel to stay. He is a good leader,’’ Rohr said.