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Gernot Rohr singles out Aina, Kalu for praise after Nigeria beat Benin

Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 11:53 AM by Oluwatomiwa Babalola

- Gernot Rohr guided the Super Eagles to 2-1 win over Benin in AFCON 2021 qualifier

- Osimhen and Kalu scored a goal each to help the hosts come from one goal down to win the match

- The German-born tactician has now singled out Ola Aina and Samuel Kalu for praise after the game

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is full of praise for the duo of Ola Aina and Samuel Kalu after his side's 2-1 win over Benin Republic in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

A goal each from Victor Osimhen and Samuel Kalu ensured the three-time AFCON kings kick off their campaign on a winning note, as Stephane Sessegnon opener ended up a consolation.

Nigeria are now topping Group L with three points after matchday one ahead of their weekend's clash against Lesotho at the Setsoto Stadium.

After the match, the German-born tactician handpicked the Aina and Kalu as the outstanding stars on the pitch for a little over 90 minutes.

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"I am happy to see also that the two changes I made since the Brazil game, bringing in Ola Aina and Kalu, the two players did very well also.

''It is good for the team to know that even other players can come, there's competition for the starting positions and this is very good for us,'' he told reporters after the match.

Rohr also gives kudos to the Squirrels for their resilience in the game but insisted he was delighted with the end result.

He continued: "Benin Republic are good team, we knew what they did in the Afcon but our attitude was good.

“I'm happy with the result, to come back and win. Good to see competitions among the players."

"We are good everywhere in Nigeria, we had good hospitality in Asaba. But it feels good to be back in Uyo," he added.