Nigeria was lacking in creativity in Lagos three days ago when the team suffered a shock defeat to Central Africa Republic according to head Coach Gernot Rohr and it will prompt a few changes in the return leg against the same opponent.
Rohr identified the talents of Alex Iwobi as the one player Nigeria could have counted on at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Thursday.
The Central Africa Republic scored a dramatic late goal, capitalizing on a defensive error and that “lucky” break cost the hosts, who are now seeking redemption when the sides meet again in the World Cup qualifiers.
“It’s football, we tried of course to win this match, we knew that it would be a difficult match because this team has a very good organization,” said Rohr.
“We saw them make a draw against Cape Verde and make a very good match in the second one against Liberia; in spite of the defeat they didn’t deserve to lose the game.
“So we knew it was difficult, we missed some players; we had to build a new midfield, the creativity of Alex Iwobi for example we’re missing it so much.”
“First half was difficult, the second half was better. We tried to score, we had a lot of chances but we could not. Then very often in football you have the possibility for the opponent to score a goal and they did.
“We lost this match, yes, but still a position at the head of the group for us because with our six points we have two points more than two other teams.
“We go there in three days (Today)to win the game; the second game, I think we have a better team but sometimes the better teams don’t win.
“They were a little bit lucky to score in the end and we missed a little bit of realism, more efficiency and we have to work on it.”
