The Super Eagles duo of John Obi Mikel and Samuel Chukwueze were dropped from the starting lineup for the game against Guinea which Nigeria won 1-0 thanks to a headed goal from Kenneth Omeruo.
Captain Mikel was dropped with Rohr going for a midfield three of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo. The trio performed credibly well in the absence of their captain and Rohr admitted that it was a decision taken in the best interest of the team.
” I’ve 21 fit players who can play at almost same level, so we pick the team base on how we want to approach the game. Every player is very important and our captain knows his role is not under threat but we had to play in a way that best suit us without him against Guinea “, Rohr said.
Speaking on the decision to drop Chukwueze for Moses Simon, the coach once again explained that Simon was introduced to exploit the weakness of the opponent down his flank and also to stop them from wrecking havoc down the Eagles defence line.
” Simon plays well for us in games like the one against Guinea. He is good at crosses and also freekicks. Chukwueze is a different kind of player for a different kind of game. We are happy to have players who can help us play in different ways “, the coach concluded.
