The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Zimbabwe’s Warriors played out a goalless draw in an international friendly at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Saturday. The match was the last game Rohr needed to test the lads before releasing his 23-man squad for the 2019 AFCON tournament holding in Egypt later in June.
The German tactician made six changes to the side that started in the 1-0 victory over the Pharaohs of Egypt in March, sticking with Daniel Akpeyi in goal.Defender William Troost-Ekong, Abdullahi Shehu, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi, Henry Onyekuru and Moses Simon who started against Egypt were all named amongst the substitutes in the game against Zimbabwe while towering striker Paul Onuachu retained his spot alongside, Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi, Peter Oghenekaro Etebo, defenders Leon Balogun and Jamilu Collins.
The game started on a low note with both teams threading cautiously on the wet slippery surface with the Zimbabweans especially seating deep in the early minutes of the encounter.Onuachu however, missed an early opportunity to put Nigeria in front as the Danish-based striker shot into the side net after he being put through on goal courtesy of a lovely pass by Samuel Kalu as Nigeria continued to threaten as they came close again as young sensation Chukwueze pulled off a nice move to evade his marker before hitting an effort from the edge of the box, but goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda made an easy save of it. The visitors remain compact in defense as they prevented the host from breaking the deadlock in the first half.
Second half started with Rohr making series of substitutions with Chidozie Awaziem, Ahmed Musa and William Ekong replacing Aina, Kalu and Omeruo respectively in bid to improve on the first half performance and possibly get a goal,Victor Osimhen replacing the ineffective or rather isolated Paul Onuachu and Henry Onyekuru coming on for an impressive Samuel Chukwueze and captain John Mikel Obi going off for John Ogu.
After the goalless draw, all eyes are now on head coach Gernot Rohr, as he'll have to release his final 23-man list as instructed by CAF for participating countries at the 2019 African Cup of Nations to be released on or before Monday, June 10 2019. After which the Super Eagles are expected to depart Nigeria for their training base in Ismailia Egypt by the end of the week in time for their friendly game against the Teranga Lions of Senegal on June 16th as they wrap-up preparations ahead of their first AFCON game against Burundi on June the 22nd.
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