In the previous week, the midfielder was part of the Super Eagles squad that played the Central African Republic in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.Īfter a shock 1-0 loss at home, Nigeria went on to win the second meeting 2-0 to maintain Group C's top spot. 'I thought his first 45-minute performance was outstanding, that is probably the reason why he tired a little bit, but he has played a lot.' 'What I have said to Joe is you are a much better player when you play angry in a nice way, flex your muscles.
He is a great kid, he wants to learn, he wants to grow,' Gerrard told BT Sport as quoted by All Nigeria Soccer. 'I never said stand up and be counted, I think he always gives you that.
With 30 minutes on the clock, Kemar Roofe scored the second to ensure the Scottish champions won comfortably.
The hosts needed just 18 minutes to open the scoring through another Nigeria international Leon Balogun, who converted a precise James Tavernier corner-kick.