Emma Jemegah
Elderson Echiejile’s days with the Super Eagles appear over with the discovery of Jamiu Collins at the left back.
And if going by the assertion of the national team coach, Gernot Rohr at the Peak Breakfast with Rohr Roundtable organised by HS Media Group, owners of Hotsports brand in Lagos at the weekend, Collins looked like the preferred choice for that position at the moment.
According to the Belgian, “Collins is giving me satisfaction, he has displaced Echiejile.”
Rohr also expressed happiness that youngster, Samuel Chukwueze has played his way into the Super Eagles set up.
Chukwueze was invited for the AFCON qualifier with South Africa as well as the international friendly with Uganda but it was the match against the Cranes that Nigerians witnessed his mastery as he mesmerized the Ugandans in the goalless friendly played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
“Samuel is a young boy doing very well. We’ve been searching for a left footed player and I’m happy to discover him. There’s a problem in a team without a left footer but with Samuel we are good. You see the way Bayern utilize Arjen Robben; left footers’ crosses are always dangerous, difficult for the defenders,” he said.
Rohr admitted that both Kelechi Iheanacho and John Ogu are also left footers but Chukwueze comes with interesting dimension.
Rohr is not unmindful of the physical nature of African players; hence he’s planning to get a physical trainer for the team ahead the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroun.
On Ogenyi Onazi’s continued absence from the team, Rohr said the Trabzonspor of Turkey central midfielder is a risk because of his recurring injury.
“Onazi is injured, he achilles tendon. He can only play with injection and I spoke to the team doctor and he said it’s risky playing him,” he disclosed.
