Torino new signing Ola Aina has stamped his authority as the first choice right full back of the senior national team of Nigeria ahead of the start of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Aina who was dropped from the Super Eagles squad to the World Cup in Russia a year ago has worked his way back to reckoning with a strong showing while on loan to Torino from Chelsea last season.
He carried his form to the Super Eagles and with Shehu Abdullahi excused from camp due to the Ramadan fast and Sallah celebration. The 23 year old has cemented his spot as first choice.
Aside the absence of Abdullahi in camp, he has showed almost same form that made him a regular at Torino with solid tackles, timely interventions and also confidence on and off the ball particularly when he ventures forward.
Coach Gernot Rohr experimented with Chidozie Awaziem against Zimbabwe in the Super Eagles last friendly game and he was impressed by the performance of the Porto defender who spent the second half of last season on loan to Rizespor.
Awaziem’s performance has further pushed Abdullahi down the pecking order as Rohr views him as a midfielder now than a full back even though he played in defence in the last training session of the team.
