Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr wants his players to respond to the team’s poor showing in the pre-world cup friendlies with “Positive Anger” at the World Cup proper.
Nigeria did not win a game in the three warm up matches played as part of the team’s build up to the tournament in Russia and Rohr has charged his players to pick up the gauntlet.
Underwhelming performances against DR Congo, England and Czech Republic saw the Eagles draw 1-1 in Port Harcourt against the African side and lose back to back games against the European teams.
But, this is a familiar situation for Nigeria, who suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to South Africa in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Afterwards, the team went on a 7-game unbeaten run including victories against African champions, Cameroon (4-0), Argentina (4-2) and Poland (1-0).
Speaking during a telephone interview on Brila FM’s Sports Machine, team media officer, Toyin Ibitoye intimated on how the team was recovering both physically and mentally from their current slump.
He said, ‘The Coach wants the team to react to the results of the friendlies with positive anger; like the response of the team after the defeat to South Africa.
‘All 23 players in camp are fit and ready; they have discussions about how to improve on teamwork and performance. The atmosphere in the camp is fantastic despite the fierce competition for places,’ Ibitoye explained.
