Sports
Rohr happy Eagles survived ‘difficult’ group to seal World Cup spot
Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has expressed joy over the successful booking of 2018 World Cup ticket by his team following a 1-0 win over Zambia in Uyo.
The victory which sealed Nigeria’s place in Russia, was decided by a 73rd-minute goal by substitute Alex Iwobi, who finished off a delightful assist from Shehu Abdullahi.
Having secured four wins and a draw so far in the qualifying series, Rohr praised his players for surviving such a tough group which had African football giants like Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia.
“It was a very difficult game but we are going to Russia and that’s what’s important,” Rohr said of the Zambia showdown at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
“We have had a tough campaign and we’re relieved we have qualified from such a tough group.
Read Also: Abdullahi wins Man of the Match in Zambia showdown, gets N1m
“Beating Algeria and Cameroon and getting four wins and a draw from five matches in this group was not what I expected from the difficult group.
“Dropping Alex Iwobi to the bench was one of the tough decisions and I’m happy he came on to score the goal.
“It’s great to get the World Cup ticket but it’s not finished. We have to start preparing for the World Cup.”
Nigeria alongside Spain, Germany, England, Brazil, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and hosts Russia are guaranteed to be at the FIFA World Cup finals next summer.
The Eagles will however play their final Group B game away to Algeria next month.
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