Gernot Rohr after Nigeria 2-0 Iceland: "We deserve the victory"

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr looks on prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe

Nigeria beat Iceland 2-0 today in World Cup 2018 Group D match.

The Super Eagles are now in the second position on the table and stand a chance to qualify for the next round if they can avoid defeat against Argentina on Tuesday.

Nigeria were poor in the first half of this match with no shot on goal despite needing a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

The boys came out with more intensity in the second half as Ahmed Musa scored two brilliant goals to give the Super Eagles their first victory at the Russia 2018 tournament.

Speaking after the match, Gernot Rohr said his boys deserved the victory despite playing against a very organized Iceland side.

"We are back, in the second half we played a good game. First half I was not satisfied, we didn't play really, no shot on target. In the 2nd half, it was much better, they understood that we have to fight to come perhaps in the second half to have the hope to go through, Iceland is a very good team, very strong, very very organized we know it but I think in the second half we deserve the victory.

Nigeria have conceded a handful of goals from set plays in their previous games but the trio of Omeruo, Balogun and Ekong kept a clean sheet, goalkeeper Uzoho was also up to the task today. Coach Gernot Rohr spoke about defending set pieces and praised the performance of his players.

Kenneth Omeruo of Nigeria wins a header over Rurik Gislason of Iceland during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia.
Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe

Yes, set pieces we worked very much since the last game against Croatia, which I was satisfied with our organization but we had these set pieces problems. And today with coming in Omeruo who is very strong in the air, we had our three central defenders so it was much better today.

We had also on the sides with Victor Moses more impact on the right and in the second half Ebuiehi who is bringing in some speed, second half we were the better team.