Gernot Rohr Picks Positives From Super Eagles Defeat To Algeria

The African champions were the better team on the night, but the Franco-German tactician insists that his men have picked up some valuable lessons from the slender loss

Head coach of the Nigerian national team Gernot Rohr believes that the Super Eagles’ latest loss to Algeria is a ‘good test’ for his side.

The former Gabon manager maintains that the three-time continental champions can only get better by facing tough opponents like the Desert Foxes, the reigning African kings.

In the absence of regulars such as Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, and Galatasaray’s Oghenekaro Etebo, the Super Eagles lacked dynamism in midfield and spark in attack.

The West Africans fell behind to an early Ramy Bensebaini toe-poke. Despite boasting the attacking talents of Alex Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, and Samuel Chukwueze, they couldn’t muster an equaliser.

There were, however, some impressive individual displays to applaud.

Porto’s fullback Zaidu Sanusi didn’t look out of place on his international debut. At the same time, West Brom’s centre-back Semi Ajayi showed clean feet despite being deployed in a holding midfield role.

Tyronne Ebuehi made a pleasing return to the national fold after a lengthy injury layoff while Onuachu did some good works with his back to goal.

Still, it was not enough to help the Super Eagles avoid a second consecutive loss to the Algerians.

Speaking after the encounter, a bullish Rohr insists he will take some positives from the defeat to Algeria.

“This is a very good test for us. There are positives to pick from a tough game like this,” Rohr said.

“Now we have to recover well and start to plan for the next game on Tuesday against another tough team.”

The Super Eagles will next tackle another North African opposition Tunisia on October 13 in the second international friendly match slated for this month.