Eye brows were raised when the list of the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the upcoming games against South Africa and Uganda was released with just three players listed in the midfield department of the team for both games.
Coach Gernot Rohr who is without the suspended Wilfred Ndidi selected Mikel Agu, Oghenekaro Etebo and John Ogu as his midfielders for both games scheduled to take place next month.
The duo of fit again Bursaspor midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and captain John Obi Mikel were missing as against the expectations of many who expected them to make the team due to the lack of options brought about by the suspension of Ndidi.
Rohr later explained that the presence of players who can play in more than one role informed his decision to name just three players in the midfield department as other players listed can also function in the midfield.
“We have four defensive midfielders. [Oghenekaro] Etebo, Mikel Agu, John Ogu and Semi Ajayi”, he told Colin Udoh of KweseESPN.
Additionally, while Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho are listed as forwards, both can play in the advanced midfield role.
