Sports
Watch Your Back, Disu Warns Rohr, Lauds NFF
Former Technical Director, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Tunde Disu has warned Super Eagles Coach Genor Rohr to watch his back over variant issues as regards the preparation of the team for Russia 2018.
Disu, who gave the warning in an interview with newsmen, added that the team needed to be wary of the numbers of international friendly games for the Eagles.
Tidesport source gathered that Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has lined up about five friendly games for the Super Eagles in preparation for the mundial in Russia.
NFF said that the Rohr’s men would have two games lined up for March 23 against Poland and would also face Serbia four days later in London.
Nigeria is also expected to play a farewell game against Congo at the Abuja National Stadium, where President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to be in attendance on May 28.
After that, the Eagles are expected to have a high profile date against the Three Lions of England to be played at the Wembley Stadium on June 2.
The last match for the Eagles according to NFF will be a clash against Czech Republic on June 6.
Assessing the lined up friendly games, Disu said that it was good to have them but there must be a constraint on the number of matches to avoid injuries.
“It is good that we have all this friendly games to prepare well ahead, but it is also good to consider the technical aspect of it too.
“The point is that too much playing time could lead to injuries considering that these players might have just finished from a long season from their respective clubs.
“Players such as Mikel Obi needs to be protected from injuries and others too because they may have played many games before coming to the camp.
“Super Eagles need players that are fit to play well in the World Cup and not tired legs, maybe the coach will need to rotate the team in assessing them,’’ he said.
Disu, however, commended Rohr for injecting young footballers into the team, adding that Eagles would go far in the mundial.
“I must also commend the coach Rohr for his spectacular job in the team; he has been able to put the needed young players in the team.
“I think the coach knew what he wanted and I am grateful to the leadership of NFF for giving him free hands to manage the team.
“What I am saying is not criticism but a technical advice for the team to also be wary of injuries which might ruin the team’s chances during the World Cup.
“The team has done fantastically well and the coach is also on point but there are other issues to manage like injuries and injecting discipline in the team,’’ he said.
Disu said that the national team would not be seen as underdogs when they play in Russia, adding that Eagles would be a team to beat.
“Our national team will not be seen as underdogs during the World Cup considering the way we qualified and our friendly match against Argentina.
“For now, Super Eagles is in the eye of all the teams that will be in Russia 2018 because we may count beating Argentina as a plus to us, but technically, this has put more eyes on us. “I am particularly happy that NFF President Amaju Pinnick is now in the FIFA executive. This is a big plus for us because aside from the on field play, off the field politics is also important”, he added.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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