Coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has explained the reason behind his decision to drop FC Porto left full back Zaidu Sanusi in favour of Calvin Bassey Ughelumba of Scottish side Rangers.
Bassey was handed a first time call up to the senior national team of Nigeria by Rohr for the upcoming back to back 2022 World Cup qualifiers game against Central Africa Republic (CAR) on the 7th and 10th of October respectively.
Zaidu has been a part of the Super Eagles team for almost two years but lost his place as first choice left back for club and country after a not too good start to the season and accounting to Rohr it’s why he is not in the team.
Rohr however said, he is still in his plans but urged him to work hard to regain his spot as first choice of FC Porto where he is at times not even named in the squad for games following the arrival of Brazilian left back Wendell from Bayern Leverkusen.
“Last time he was in our list but he couldn’t come because of a positive COVID test. He was unlucky,” Rohr said. “Now it is October and this is the right moment, he is the only new player we have invited.”
“When we had to do the list he [Sanusi] didn’t play the last five games in the club,” the coach explained. “We cannot put three left backs in the list.
“But we know already his qualities and he will come back next time when he is playing in the club. I like this player very much but it’s also the opportunity to test a new player.”
