BEVERLY HILLS, June 06, (THEWILL) – The Super Eagles were unconvincing in their final World Cup warm-up game as they slumped to a 1-0 loss against the Czech Republic.
The match, played at the Rudolf Tonn Stadium Austria, a multi-purpose facility in Rannersdorf, a city in the sub-division of Schwechat outside Vienna, left the Eagles and Nigerians asking questions about the readiness of the Super Eagles.
Nigeria were undone by a first-half goal from Tomas Kalas, who exposed the team’s weakness in dealing with crosses.
Coach Gernot Rohr made two changes to the side that lost to England, with John Ogu and Wilfred Ndidi replacing Joel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi in the starting XI.
Nigeria had an opportunity to grab an early lead, they were largely on the back foot in a dull first-half littered with mistakes.
However, it was the Czechs who opened the scoring with 25 minutes played when Kalas slotted home after goalkeeper Francis Uzoho fumbled a header.
The Nigerian team struggled to play with fluidity and was restricted to chances from set-piece plays for the remainder of the first half.
The Super Eagles however started the second half with more intent as they looked to keep the ball and break down a stubborn Czech defence.
The Eagles improved following the introduction of Tyronne Ebuehi in the second half. The Benfica new signing surged forward at every opportunity.
The changes affected the tempo of the game and in spite of a much better showing in the second half, Nigeria could not find an equaliser.
The Czechs held on for the lone goal victory as Nigeria ended their preparations for the World Cup with another disappointing loss.
