As first reported by Owngoalnigeria.com Chelsea defender Ola Aina has been dropped from the Super Eagles squad for the World Cup as Nigeria officially revealed their final 23 man squad for the World Cup in Russia.
Aina was dropped alongside FC Porto midfielder Mikel Agu but both players were placed on standby meaning they will be with the team up until their first game at the World Cup.
Owngoalnigeria.com in our usual style reveal the reason why he was dropped in favour of the duo of Elderson Echiejile and Bryan Idowu in the battle for the left back spot of the Super Eagles.
Although he can play as a right back , coach Gernot Rohr has already anointed the duo of Shehu Abdullahi and Tyroone Ebuehi as his preferred duo for the World Cup.
As at last year Aina was almost certain to make the squad of the Super Eagles for the World Cup until late last year when Russian-Nigerian defender Brian Idowu pledged his allegiance to Nigeria.
Idowu now appears to be the first choice left back with Elderson Echiejile pushing him for a starting spot leaving Aina as the third choice left back of the Nigerian team and Rohr already said he can’t take five full backs to the World Cup.
The best bet for the full back who spent last season on loan to make the squad was if coach Rohr decides to select just three central defenders which didn’t happen, and later they were doubts over the fitness of Ebuehi but the recently signed Benfica defender has since recovered from the cramps he suffered against Congo Dr and showed his fitness with a strong showing in yesterday’s 1-2 loss to England.
Osas Mahawi
