The decision of coach Gernot Rohr to stick with the duo of Moses Simon and Henry Onyekuru at the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations has not gone down well with some followers of the senior national team of Nigeria.
Simon has enjoyed favour in the tournament ahead of the duo of Samuel Chukwueze and Samuel Kalu while Henry Onyekuru is yet to taste a minute of action at the tournament so far.
Awaziem came in as an emergency right full back in the first game following the injury to regular right back Shehu Abdullahi but the FC Porto owned defender who spent last season on loan to Rizespor appears to have cemented that spot.
Many expected Ola Aina to be drafted to the right full back position following the return of Jamilu Collins but Rohr kept Awaziem as his right back in the game against South Africa with Aina dropping to the bench.
Beyond the wishes of so many football loving Nigerians, the duo have so far lived up to the trust reposed in them by the coach base on their performance so far at the tournament.
Simon was decisive in the games where possession will be scarce as seen against Guinea and Cameroon with an assist to his name against Guinea in the lone goal victory. He also ran down the defence of Cameroon with his space and directness before the introduction of Chukwueze. All that appeared to be the strategy of the coach.
Against South Africa he was introduced for Ahmed Musa and after one of his run, he won a corner kick which he whipped in for William Troost-Ekong to jab home for Nigeria’s winner and in the process took his assist tally to two both coming from corner kicks. A tally which no doubt proved right the decision of the manager to play him in those games.
Awaziem has been the most impressive among the defenders of Nigeria as bar the game against Cameroon which he didn’t do enough to stop Christian Bassogog from whipping in the cross that led to their first goal, he has been solid.
Yet to be dribbled past, his pace has also helped cover for the back four and so far he has not lost a single aerial duel and he has won all 13 of the tackles he has attempted, although he has been guilty of conceding fouls that can be avoided.
He has also bring balance with his positioning and tactical awareness particularly in setting offside traps and also knowing when to venture forward or not. Impressive considering the fact that he is originally a central defender.
The duo might not be the favorite of soccer loving fans in Nigeria but for the Super Eagles at the ongoing 2019 AFCON, it’s safe to say they have so far justify the decision of the coach to pick them ahead of other players in their position.
