Despite picking Brian Idowu to start today for the Super Eagles against Serbia for their friendly game later tonight, coach Gernot Rohr has left his options open regarding who gets his nod as first choice left back for his team.
Idowu started and lasted the entire duration of the 1-0 win over Poland on Friday, and as exclusively reported by Owngoalnigeria.com, he will start once again today against Serbia ahead of Elderson Echiejile and Ola Aina.
The duo of Echiejile and Aina have both filled in at left back for the Super Eagles, with Echiejile the initial favourite before Aina’s switch from England where he represented them at youth level to Nigeria was ractified by world soccer governing body FIFA.
Russian-Nigerian defender Idowu also had his switch from Russia to Nigeria approved by FIFA late last year, and scored on his debut for Nigeria in their 4-2 win over Argentina in their final friendly game last year.
It appears he is the new found favourite of Rohr, as the 25 year old Amkar Perm defender started against Poland, but the coach refused to anoint him as his first choice left back ahead of Echiejile and Aina.
” I am not confused about who to play in the left back. I am never confused, I have the choice and it is wonderful. When I arrived in Nigeria, we had problems in the left back position. We found Tyron Ebuehi, Ola Aina and Brown Idowu and that is a big competition, it is no confusion. It is a competition and that is very fare”, he told Omasports.com
Against Poland, Brian Idowu did very well, he plays in Russia which could be a big advantage for him. Ola Aina is doing very well in Hull city. We also have Elderson Echiejile, a very good experienced player. So it will be a difficult choice for us but the coach is happy when he has more”.
Ade Emmanuel
