Super Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr has declared that he is putting total trust in a large number of players that will line out with his squad for the first time in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde.
Megasportsarena.com reports that the absences of nine key players, six of which started last Friday’s 2-0 win against Liberia at the start of the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers, means Rohr has to line out many rookies on Tuesday.
However, rather than throw his hands up in surrender, the Franco-German tactician admitted he has to improvise and still gun for victory against the hosts.
He acknowledged that The Blue Sharks will come out forcefully against his side, as they need to get maximum points in order to take over Group C leadership from Nigeria.
With that evaluation top of his mind, Rohr has charged his ‘first timers’ to take ample advantage of the opportunity they have to play themselves into prominence with his squad, which he said will be missing approximately one-third of his regulars.
Everton’s Alex Iwobi, Leicester City duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, Watford pair of Oghenekaro Etebo and William Troost-Ekong, Glasgow Rangers’ Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo as well as Torino’s Ola Aina have all returned to their respective clubs.
They were forced out of the Eagles’ roster because United Kingdom-based players were barred from traveling for Tuesday’s game by the government of the country where they ply their trade, which listed Cape Verde as a COVID-19 red-listed country.
The gaffer admitted the development is a blow to his plans but promised to fire his wards up to overcome the hurdle and he went onto declare that his players will be ready to silence their hosts.
Rohr stated: “There are only 19 because we had these problems with UK players but also family or COVID problems. It is a challenge; we want to win this game.
“With this team I trust in these boys who will play perhaps for the first time with the Super Eagles but if they are here they deserve, they are good.
“We’ll see what can happen in this match because you know that Cape Verde also have to win it, they could draw only in the first match. We will see. We are ready for this match.
“It was difficult traveling in the night. I missed a little bit the physical presence from some players because they are still a bit tired but after a good night I think they will be ready.”
