“It was a difficult game for us” – Rohr speaks about overcoming tough Cape Verde challenge
Nigeria came from behind to claim a huge 2–1 win against Cape Verde in their second World Cup qualifying game in Mindelo on Tuesday, but head coach Gernot Rohr says the match was a difficult one for the team.
The Super Eagles were without some of their key players after their victory over Liberia last Friday. The situation left Rohr with the task of setting up a new team for the game against Cape Verde. While noting that it wasn’t easy, the German coach said that the players who were in action against the Blue Sharks stepped up to the plate impressively.
“It was a difficult game for us because Cape Verde has a very good team and we had to build a new team after the first match against Liberia,” Rohr said.
“Ten players were missing and it was not easy to build a team in only three days. But in Nigeria, we have players all over the world. The seven or eight players who played today were still on the same level as the ones who played against Liberia.”
Nigeria are top of Group C with six points from two matches and will be playing Central African Republic next [in October]. The 68-year-old gaffer expressed delight about his side’s performances so far but says more work lies ahead.
“We are happy to win this game because when you’re losing 1–0 it’s not easy to come back against a good team like Cape Verde.
“We start with two victories which is very good. But we still have to win other games.”
