- Mikel Obi claims Gareth Southgate's first half tactics go the better of the Nigerian team
- The captain also reveals Rohr's substitution changed the match in the second period
- The three-time African champions will leave for Austria to play the Czech Republic
Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has given reasons why the team had a poor first half against the Three Lions at the Wembley Stadium.
Nigeria went two-goals down in the first 45 minutes courtesy of a Gary Cahill's header and a bullet of a shot from Harry Kane.
Just before the restart, Gernot Rohr made four changes and the sleeping West African giants rose to the occasion.
Mikel and Ogu in action against England. Photo Credit: Getty Images
READ ALSO: England record a narrow 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles
In the the first two minutes of the second half, the Green and White men were fired up as Alex Iwobi who started a move completed the finished after Odion Ighalo's strike initially hit the upright.
But the former Chelsea midfielder has said that the poor showing in the first half was because England played a five-man defence and the Eagles were unable to break them down.
"When you against against a team with five (defenders) at the back, you always have an extra man.
"How do you play a team with five at the back, I think it's always difficult but in the second half we always played five in the back as well
"We tried to match them, that's what we did and we played better, we created chances and we scored the goal.
"We know we can play better, we have to keep playing this way," Mikel told ACL Sports.
When asked which department the team needed improvement, the Tiajin Teda playmaker said they need to play as more as a unit.
"We need to be together, we need to be strong as a team," he added.
PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'Naija Football Fan Zone'
The team will leave for Austria venue of their last friendly match against the Czech Republic that will be played on June, 6.
After the match, Gernot Rohr will announce his final 23-man squad that will represent Nigeria at the Russia 2018 World Cup.
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had earlier reported that captain of the side, Mikel Obi, said that the team have no excuse not to do well at the football's world showpiece in Russia.
He said that since he joined the national team in 2005, it has been so far the best in terms of discipline.
The former Chelsea star also said that their bonuses and allowances have been paid in full, something he is giving the credit to the Nigeria Football Federation.
Super Eagles Score 1:1 with DR Congo Team Simba in Port Harcout - on Naij.com TV
Source: Naija.ng