Gernot Rohr, the coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles has praised his side’s professional performance against Guinea at the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in the wake of their bonus row.
The Eagles staged a protest over unpaid bonuses in the build-up to the game against Guinea but posted a good game to advance to the round of 16 of the tournament.
Nigeria scored in the 73rd minute when Moses Simon’s a right-wing corner was headed in at the near post by Kenneth Omeruo.
“I want to say congratulations to the players,” Rohr began in his post-match interview after the game on Wednesday.
“It was a good performance from the team today (Wednesday), we played really well though it was a tough game from Guinea.
“I am happy we could deal with the danger they posed and being the first into the round of 16 is a joy for us.
“The players played a good game under hot weather and it was not easy. We started slowly because we knew Guinea have a good team and they are very organised so we changed five players in the starting line-up and the spirit was the same.
“It was not easy preparing for the game because yesterday was a special day but finally, my players showed good professionalism to win.
“We are happy to score from a corner kick because we practised well on this in training. Now we have to ensure we finish off well against Madagascar in our last game to top the pool.
Rohr also admitted that he is unconcerned about his team’s inability to score more goals as expected.
“I’m not worried that we haven’t been scoring more goals because we have been creating chances,” he added.
“We had two good chances to score in the first half but we didn’t and if you remember the goal against Burundi in our first game it is for me the best goal of the tournament.
“Today, we scored from a set-piece which is good because in the past we have conceded goals from corners as well. As a coach, it is good for me that my team can score from every threat.”
Nigeria became the first team to qualify for the last 16 of the tournament following the win over Guinea.
The three-time AFCON winners now have six points from their two games.
Credit: punchng.com
