Super Eagles Manager Gernot Rohr has said the team will end its two-game winless streak by defeating Czech Republic in their last friendly game ahead of the World Cup.
The three-time African champions suffered consecutive losses in friendly matches against Serbia and England with Nigeria’s first match of the FIFA World Cup against Croatia only 10 days away.
Rohr said the team needed the victory so as to boost the morale of the players ahead of their World Cup campaign.
“We will go for victory that would boost spirit and earn team confidence ahead of our first match in Russia. It would not be an easy pick but we will work hard for it,” he said.
Rohr’s men were simply all over the place in the first half of their 2-1 loss to England but returned at the interval to post a spirited performance.
The second half showing gave a glimpse of hope about the capability of the Nigerian side but a quick return to winning ways is what the Eagles need ahead of the Mundial. Rohr’s men understand the face off with Czechs Republic provides an opportunity for them to pick up momentum before they face Croatia on June 16.
That is not the only motivation; the Eagles will also look to avenge the 2-1 loss the country suffered in the hands of Czech Republic when the two sides met in 1996.
The Europeans are not going to the World Cup after finishing third in their qualifying group and Karel Jarolim’s men will be looking to arrest the slump that saw them lose 4-0 to Australia in their last friendly.
Coach Jarolim was so upset with their embarrassing loss to Australia and feared they would confront a stronger opponent in Nigeria.
”I’m still under pressure, of course, I would rather for a better result, but the reality is that it did not happen and it is up to us to react, it will be important for the team to play, but also for the result, I will be happy,” Jarolim said.
He added : ”Nigeria is qualitatively stronger than Australia, I saw their match in England, it’s a very good opponent.”
They will be banking on AS Roma starlet Patrick Schick and Derby County striker Matej Vydra who scored 21 goals in the Championship last season
Alex Iwobi impressed against England, scoring Nigeria’s goal, and should be given another chance to catch the eye in this match.
Odion Ighalo led the line against the Three Lions, but Kelechi Iheanacho will hope for an opportunity to show what he can do ahead of the World Cup.