Super Eagles’ coach Gernot Rohr will be fielding a largely experimental team today as Nigeria file out against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a pre-AFCON 2019 international friendly game at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Completesports.com reports.
Nigeria and Zimbabwe have qualified for the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to kick-off in Egypt on June 21 with both countries using today’s game to test-run the preparedness of their respective teams.
The game will especially provide Rohr the chance to test some of his players in real match situation after which he will name his final 23-man squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals
Most of the Eagles players already have unofficial guaranteed spots in the team while the two players to be dropped are expected to be from the defensive, midfield and attacking departments.
Mikel Obi will captain the team as Rohr looks to see how he will bond with the squad having been out of the team since he featured at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
In the Super Eagles’ defence, pundits expect Rohr to decide from the quartet of Ola Aina, Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun and Chidozie Awaziem, while the coach will also be taking a closer look at Semi Ajayi and John Ogu both of whom can give the provide defence and midfield options.
The attack will see straight competition between the trio of youngsters Paul Onuachu, Victor Osimhen and Henry Onyekuru, while Rohr will likely give Kelechi Iheanacho some playing time to boost his confidence following little activity at Leicester City during the 2018/19 season.
How these Super Eagles players fare in the game would determine their AFCON 2019 fate even though it will still not be an easy decision for Rohr who has to make the call.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are in the Group B alongside Guinea, Madagascar and Burundi for the AFCON 2019 finals, while Zimbabwe are scheduled to play against host Egypt, DR Congo and Uganda in Group A.
Past Encounters: Super Eagles Vs warriors
Nigeria have played six matches against Zimbabwe, recording four wins, one draw and one loss. Below is the breakdown:
Date Match/Result Competition
01 Aug 1981 Zimbabwe 2-0 Nigeria International Friendly
16 Jul 1989 Nigeria 3-0 Zimbabwe Africa Cup of Nations
30 Jul 1989 Zimbabwe 1-1 Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations
05 Sep 2004 Zimbabwe 0-3 Nigeria FIFA World Cup
07 Oct 2005 Nigeria 5-1 Zimbabwe FIFA World Cup
27 Jan 2006 Nigeria 2-0 Zimbabwe Africa Cup of Nations
By Sulaiman Alao
5 Comments
I dreamt that the Super Eagles won the AFCON.
After the win, Dalung and Giwa congratulated Pinnick and withdrew all their complaints from CAS. Even President Buhari, who did not know or care about the AFCON, went to the airport to welcome back the victorious Eagles.
Meanwhile back in this forum, Omo9ja was the first to congratulate Coach Rohr and the NFF. He didn’t apologise though. He said his criticism was constructive and was only meant to keep the team and coach working hard. He knew all along that they would win the AFCON. He claimed he even predicted the victory and asked us to check his previous posts.
Chima E. Samuels and Dr. Drey became friends. They even exchanged personal info and decided to meet in person to celebrate together. Of course, Ashy Slashy was invited.
When I woke up, I still couldn’t grasp the fact that it was a dream, so I went about the house with a fixed smile on my face.
When my wife asked to know why I was so happy, I told her we had just won the AFCON (in the dream, she was busy watching an Indian series while the AFCON finals was going on. Women!).
My wife’s reply:
“In your dreams! Welcome to the real world. Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are already in Egypt waiting for Coach Rohr and his young team.”
That was when I realised it was only a dream.
On the bright side, my dreams do come true. Hope this one does.
Eskis sir…! Just one question…??
Abeg u bin drink your agbo before u sleep…???
Of course, Dr. Drey. I did. Hope u also drank yours?
Hahahaha…I bin add small milk for my own, make i nor come dey dream anyha. lolz
Hahahahahaa. Classic! It might just be a divine revelation, and if your dreams do come true, it may be a gift. At the moment, the possibility of everything that you saw in the dream happening is very probable. 85% possible. I join in your faith/optimism.