A lot of followers of the senior national team of Nigeria were shocked by the decision of coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr on not playing Ola Aina in any of their last two friendly games.
Aina who is predominantly a full back was an unused substitute in both games with Rohr preferring the trio of Kevin Akpoguma, Chidozie Awaziem and Tyronne Ebuehi at left back while the duo of Zaidu Sanusi and Jamilu Collins were the left full backs for the game.
Akpoguma and Awaziem are central backs but Rohr used them ahead of Aina on Tuesday and the reason behind that decision has been revealed to Owngoalnigeria.com.
“ Aina was billed to play against Algeria in the first friendly game but the initial plan to substitute one of the central backs for Akpoguma to make his debut was jettisoned owing to how the Algerians were playing. So he was drafted to the right back position ahead of Aina “, a source reveal.
“ Against Tunisia he was in contention to start or come in for Akpoguma but the game was so stretched that the coaches have to bring in Awaziem who defends better as a full back ahead of Aina. Nonetheless he is still a pivotal member of the team “.
He revealed Rohr sees Aina as the utility defender in the team and hence still has him in his plans for the AFCON 2021 qualifiers in November.