Gernot Rohr: Former Super Eagles Coach Highlights Why Nigeria Sealed AFCON Win Against Ivory Coast

• The Super Eagles secured a crucial Cup of Nations win against Ivory Coast
• Captain William Troost-Ekong was pivotal to the Super Eagles' victory
• An ex-Nigeria coach has explained why Jose Peseiro’s side won the clash

The Super Eagles secured a crucial victory in the thrilling Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match against tournament host Ivory Coast.

Recognising the significance of winning to secure progression to the next round, the three-time Cup of Nations champions adeptly manoeuvred through the challenging atmosphere created by the home crowd.

They managed to score in the 55th minute and then staunchly defended their one-nil lead until the final whistle.

This victory firmly placed Jose Peseiro's team in control of their fate in the competition, and a potential win against Guinea Bissau in their upcoming group fixture could see them emerge as group leaders.

NPFL stakeholder slams Super Eagles coach, deems his appointment an error

Football

Conversely, the defeat for Ivory Coast means that Les Elephants must now secure a victory against Equatorial Guinea to secure their place in the next round.

However, amid the excitement surrounding the triumph, former Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr, has shared his reaction to the victory.

Gernot Rohr reacts to Nigeria's win

The German tactician who led the Super Eagles to a bronze medal win at the 2019 edition of the tournament stressed in an interview as reported by Nigerian football expert Osasu Obayiuwana.

"The victory for the Nigerian team against Ivory Coast is commendable, considering Ivory Coast was not in the game at all. The organisation with the 5-4-1 formation proved crucial as we effectively neutralised Ivory Coast's strikers.

"It's a significant result, and I'm pleased for my players. Despite past criticisms, they responded with a stellar performance in this match.

However, they need to remain vigilant and humble because, in the last AFCON, they won all three group games but were knocked out in the next round. Every match holds great importance," he added.

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles icon identifies key factors for Nigeria's success in Ivory Coast

Football

The 70-year-old's words serve as a rallying cry for the Nigerian players not to become complacent, particularly considering that in the 2021 edition of the tournament, Nigeria faced early elimination despite displaying promise during the group stages.

Omeruo on Peseiro’s halftime talk

Sports Brief in another report stated Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has disclosed the halftime talk of manager Jose Peseiro.

The 30-year-old highlighted the fact the manager inspired confidence in them and stressed the need for more compactness by the team.

The former Leganes defender also stressed the manager made a few positional corrections to the on-field players.