Omeruo, Echiejile should be dropped against Algeria – Elaho

Kenneth Omeruo

Festus Abu

Nigeria’s defensive duo Kenneth Omeruo and Elderson Echiejile should not start for the Super Eagles in their  Russia  2018 World Cup Group B qualifier in Uyo  on  November 12, says Friday Elaho.

Turkey-based Omeruo has taken a lot of flak  from   football pundits and  fans  for conceding “a cheap goal” in the Eagles’ 2-1 defeat of Zambia’s Chipolopolo in  their opening Russia  2018 Group B qualifier at   Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, on October 9.

Veteran Chipolopolo striker Collins Mbesuma and captain Rainford Kalaba  took advantage of Monaco flop Echiejile’s lack of pace    at the left-back  to torment the Eagles’ defence, especially in the second half.

Although former Nigeria winger Elaho  is happy the Eagles picked up maximum points on the road  to lead  the table on three points, he  fears  the defence  could deny the team  the  chance to maintain their position at the top of the table.  Cameroon, who held Algeria to a 1-1 draw in the group’s other fixture in Bilda,   are second in the table. Algeria are third followed by Zambia in the last place.

Elaho   insists  Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr needs replacements for Alanyaspor’s Omeruo and Echiejile, who  was shipped out on loan to Belgian outfit  Standard Liege by  Monaco  during the summer transfer market  after falling down the pecking order at the French club, in the game against Algeria.

“Algeria and Cameroon will be  scared of the Eagles following our victory over Zambia,” the Algiers ’90  Africa Cup of Nations silver medallist told our correspondent on the telephone on Monday.

“But we must improve on our performance against Chipolopolo if we want to beat Algeria.

“Algeria have (Leicester City’s attacking duo) Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani, who are dangerous players. They have other experienced players.

“I’m really worried about our defence, which almost let us down against Chipolopolo.”

 The Senegal ’92 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medallist added, “Omeruo and Echiejile didn’t play as professionals against Zambia.

“If we play  them in our defence against Algeria, they (Desert Foxes) will bury us in Uyo.  The Algerians are very fast and we need good defenders to stop them.

“However, the coach  should invite them  for  the match if there is evidence they have improved.”

 The former Brondby forward urged Rohr to leave  players warming the bench at their clubs  out of the squad to face Algeria.

Elaho said, “We should stop inviting players based on what they have achieved in the past. We should invite players on current form.

“We  have many  good young players in Europe and  in the domestic league. they should be given a chance to play for the national team.”