Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has spoken out on the reason why he called up Rangers of Scotland left full back Calvin Bassey Ughelumba to his squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
Bassey was handed a first time call up by Rohr who also explained that it isn’t the first time the 22 year old is getting an invitation to the team but he couldn’t honour the first call up as he tested positive for coronavirus.
“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.”
His invitation came at the expense of Zaidu Sanusi, the FC Porto left back but Rohr explained that beyond playing as a left back , Bassey will bring competition to the central defence with his left foot an added advantage.
“There will be big competition but it is good to know that Bassey can also play central defence. We don’t have any left-footed central defenders, what we have is only five right-footed central defenders.”
