Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr released his 23 man squad with six players on standby for the upcoming all important World Cup 2018 Qualifiers tie against Zambia in Uyo.
The one major surprise aside Dele Ajiboye pushing Dele Alampasu from the main list to the standby list has to be the demotion of ADO Deen Haag full back Tyronne Ebuehi to the standby list.
Rohr convinced the 21 year old full back to commit his international future to Nigeria ahead of the Netherlands, in what was a long drawn saga with the player initially turning down the first invitation to the team.
However he subsequently agreed to a switch of allegiance, but since agreeing to play for Nigeria he is yet to make his competitive debut as Shehu Abdullahi has cemented the right back slot.
He was however still a member of the team in their previous games, but after on loan Chelsea defender Ola Aina switched allegiance to Nigeria from England, the country he represented at youth level, competition became fierce for the right back slot.
Aina edged Ebuehi with his physical style of play, an area where Ebuehi is yet to convince Rohr although he is technically sound and extremely quick in turning defence into attack.
Rohr still views Abdullahi as his first choice right back, but instead of Ebuehi he believes Aina will give the Anorthosis Famagusta man a strong fight for the team’s right back position.
Also Aina is also very comfortable as a left back, one area where the Super Eagles of Nigeria are still short of options with Elderson Echiejile the only viable option who has the trust of the coach.
Ade Emmanuel
