A first-half goal from Tomáš Kalas in a rain-delayed Pre-world Cup friendly in Austria was not the preparation the Super Eagles were hoping for as they head to Russia.
The Gernot Rohr-led squad could take some positives away from their 2-1 defeat to England on Saturday, but there were few four days later, as Kalas’ first-half opener secured a slender victory for the Czechs, who were thrashed 4-0 by Australia on Friday.
Premier League stars Wilfried Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses all started but were unable to provide the attacking spark needed to break down a resolute Serbian side.
Fullbacks, Abdullahi Shehu and Brian Idowu were both poor on the afternoon in Vienna, It was indeed shocking to see Russia-based Idowu struggle to hold his place against the lowly-rated Czech Republic side.
Shehu Abdullahi is said to be undergoing the Ramadan fast and Gernot Rohr was not expecting 100% from the Turkey-based right back.
The closest Nigeria came to leveling before the break was Wilfred Ndidi’s 30-yard drive, which was brilliantly tipped around the post by Tomas Vaclik in the Czech goal.
Gernot Rohr will be hoping his side can find that attacking spark in the next week as the side head into a difficult World Cup group containing Croatia, Argentina, and Iceland.