Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan
Sports commentator and Chairman of
Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Ibadan, Dr. Lekan Are, has praised
Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr, for featuring Victor Moses and Oghenekaro
Etebo against Algeria in their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo
on November 12. The Super Eagles won the encounter 3-1, with Moses
scoring a brace.
Are said the German coach’s openness to
suggestions would help him strengthen the team, while also reiterating
his call for the team’s defence to be fortified.
The former striker said, “I was pleased
with the performance of our team against Algeria, especially because
they were agile. Even when they lost the ball, they recovered it very
quickly. Their positional play was good and I am also happy that some of
the players I suggested to be included in the team were brought in.
“It means the coach listens to advice.
Moses and Etebo who were part of the five players I suggested were the
best against Algeria. Etebo was the engine room in the midfield. He is
someone we must develop for the success of the team.”
He urged Manchester City attacker,
Kelechi Iheanacho, to do better in subsequent games, saying the player
disappointed some of his fans against Algeria.
“We still need to strengthen our defence
because it is not as good as it should be. The attack is good,
although Iheanacho did not live up to expectations in that game. He
needs to improve. I have no doubt that if the team continues like this,
we would qualify for Russia 2018 World Cup,” the sports administrator
added.
Are said Holland-based defender
Tyronne Ebuehi should be invited by Rohr to strengthen the Eagles’
defence. He also said Mikel Obi’s role in the team should be dictated
by the system adopted by Rohr.
He said, “Ebuehi is needed at
right-back. The central defence is still good but a player like Wilfred
Ndidi will make it stronger. Some of the players who played at the
Olympics can be brought in too. Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is better than
Daniel Akpeyi because he positions himself better. Akpeyi looked
unsettled (against Algeria), although the goal scored by Algeria was a
good one. It could have been saved had Akpeyi positioned himself
well. As for Mikel, the style of play that the coach employs should
determine how he plays.”
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