The first training session of newly appointed Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr took place yesterday at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Owngoalnigeria.com brings you details of what transpired.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria arrived at the stadium few minutes to 6pm as opposed to the 5pm the training was initially billed to begin.
There was no explanation as to why the training started about an one hour late, as it appears the issues were beyond those we sort to hear from.
Captain John Obi Mikel and Kelechi Iheanacho were the notably absentees from the full session, with Mikel hobbling off after less than five minutes, while Iheanacho was excused to be with the masseur after a chat with the coach.
63 year old Rohr showed his fitness by taking part in the team’s light jog at the start of their session, much to the amazement of the players.
After the light jog and mild stretching, the German gathered the players and gave out instructions before dividing the team into two groups ahead of the start of the main session.
The groups were instructed to initiate attack from one part of the field to the other, and specifically told to keep the ball in flight, failure to do so we result in the group doing push ups as punishment.
” I don’t want the ball on the ground, if it touches the ground, your group will give me five press up, now that is the instruction, start” he roared.
William Troost Ekong, Leon Balogun and Chidozie Awaziem were by far more comfortable in carrying out the instructions, which saved their team from been asked to do press up.
FC Porto youngster Awaziem got the German coach nodding, when his cross field pass to Balogun reached the Mainz 05 defender who in turn cushioned a well drilled header to Ekong.
