Former Eagles Skipper Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has applauded coach Gernot Rohr for accepting criticism and changing his tactics for the Super Eagles’ 2-0 win over Iceland.
Following Nigeria’s lacklustre 2-0 loss to Croatia in their Group D opener, Rohr switched to a 3-5-2 formation, which eventually reaped dividends as Ahmed Musa scored a brace against the Icelanders.
Okocha claimed that many coaches nowadays struggle to accept criticism, rendering the German’s willingness to make changes something to be commended.
“I was a bit nervous going into this match, but I must commend coach Gernot Rohr for accepting criticisms and changing tactics for this game,” the former Bolton Wanderers Captain told a South Africa-based TV station.
“It is difficult for coaches these days to accept criticisms, as they always prefer to stick to their plans, but his change of tactics has granted Nigeria victory.”
The win lifted the Super Eagles to second in the group, behind Croatia, who have already qualified for the second round.