Atletico Madrid narrowly beat Nigerian national team

The Europa League Champions were able to secure a win over the world cup bound, Super Eagles side by scoring a winner five minutes from time. The much anticipated GOTV Max Cup clash at Godswill Akpabio international stadium was off to a great start for the locals who grabbed the lead in the 31st minute. Arsenal young midfielder who is on loan at MVV Maastricht, Kelechi Nwakali (19) rounded off a defender before curling a majestic shot into the back of the net, beyond the reach Jan Oblak, one of the world’s best shot-stoppers.

Two minutes later, the inexperience of the Super Eagles B side was exposed as Ghanaian Thomas Partey stole the ball from the showboating Emem Eduok and slotted in a neat pass for Angel Correa who finished beautifully with his outside foot. After the break, veteran Fernando Torres stole the lead for Rojiblancos by firing in a fine header from a corner. A much more determined and performance boosted by the introduction of Tosin Omoyele of the Nigerian Professional Football League side, Plateau United paid dividends in the 80th minute. Usman Mohammed combined with Omoyele and left an Atletico man lying on the floor after some serious dribbling and confidently slotted the ball into the net. The 18-year-old Atletico player, Borja Garces broke Nigerian hearts with a fine shot, five minutes from time.

Should Gernot Rohr have included some standout performers of Tuesday’s friendly like Nwakali in his thirty-man provisional squad? I mean, It was not really a bad performance by the B side.

Russia 2018: Former Nigerian coach believes Rohr should have included more local based players in his squad

Gernot Rohr’s decision to include two Nigerian Professional Football League players in his 28 man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Poland did not  sit in well with former coach, Austin Eguavoen. Eguavoen believes that the Nigerian coach could have reaped more from the players who reached the final of  2018 African Nations Championship, eventually losing to hosts Morocco.

"I saw the list and it's a good one," he told Complete Sports Nigeria, "but I think there should be more players from the league in his squad."

Players who ply their trade abroad are usually preferred in terms of representing African countries in major tournaments. One of the popular arguments against such decisions, is that team chemistry and passion may be compromised.