The decision to drop Ola Aina from the Super Eagles starting line up for today’s clash against South Africa in the race to qualify for next year Africa Cup of Nations has been explained to Owngoalnigeria.com.
Coach Gernot Rohr has lined up his players in a 3-5-2 formation and instead of Aina went for Bordeaux wing forward Samuel Kalu as his right wing-back despite the fact that Aina has played in that same role for Torino, where he is on a season long loan from Chelsea.
Kalu was picked ahead of him not because of his ability to defend but because he offers more in attack than Aina plus he can also score goals with Rohr keen on having a wing-back who can contribute more to the team in attack than defence.
Another decision that came as a surprise was the decision of Rohr to stick with Jamilu Collins at left wing-back ahead of Bryan Idowu who has operated in that role for Nigeria in previous game.
Paderborn defender Collins was preferred ahead of Lokomotiv Moscow Idowu with Rohr keen on having a left footed player to bring balance to his team and Collins has a natural instinct of going forward because he started his career as a left winger.
