The Super Eagles of Nigeria were yesterday involved in a test game during their training session ahead of today’s friendly clash against Uganda at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
Owngoalnigeria.com picks out some highlights from the session which lasted for close to two hours and was conducted under the watchful eyes of coach Gernot Rohr , who sees the game as his first preparatory game ahead of next year Africa Cup of Nations.
1. Osimhen’s Unforgivable Miss – Victor Osimhen looked very lively during the session with his pace, tricks and skills proving to be a handful for the defenders he was up against. However he twice wasted big chances from an open net situation.
The first chance came off the woodwork with the goalkeeper beaten and instead of tucking the rebound into the empty net he somehow failed to hit the target, much to the surprise of the spectators and the forward himself.
Chukwueze’s Fine Goal – A lot has been said about Samuel Chukwueze, the Villarreal teen wonder and he hasn’t disappointed since linking up with the team. His quick interchange of passes with Osimhen saw him come face to face against Theophilus Afelokhai and despite the goalkeeper making himself big, he expertly slotted his effort home and drew applause from all including coach Gernot Rohr.
Brian Idowu Better Off As Right Back – Although he has played the majority of his career for the senior national team of Nigeria as a left full back, Idowu impressed mightily playing as a right back in yesterday’s training session. It means he now joins the jostle for the slot with the likes of Ola Aina, Shehu Abdullahi and Tyronne Ebuehi as he appears to have lost his left full back slot to Jamilu Collins.
Moses Simon Outshines Samuel Kalu – Kalu already has the trust of coach Gernot Rohr ahead of Moses Simon but in yesterday’s session, Simon was the main man on the flanks. Akpeyi was at the receiving end of one of his well hit drive, and he left Collins and Idowu chasing shadows about twice with quick step overs with made the crowd roared with excitement. Kalu was somehow casual and towards the end of the session, he was limping a bit apparently due to a knock picked up.
