Super Eagles of Nigeria are facing a crisis in central defence ahead of their AFCON 2019 Qualifiers double header against Libya in two weeks time as the main defenders in the team are struggling to get games at their various clubsides.
The list for the game will be made official tomorrow as gathered by Owngoalnigeria.com with coach Gernot Rohr expected to list players who are struggling to get games as central defenders against the group leaders in games in Uyo and Tunisia respectively.
William Troost-Ekong at Italian side Udinese is the only central defender getting games at club level as the trio of Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem are struggling to get games.
Ekong’s regular partner in central defence Balogun has played just two league games this season, while Omeruo who paired Balogun in the absence of Ekong in the game against Seychelles is yet to make his competitive bow since joining Leganes on loan from Chelsea.
Awaziem who was ever present for French Ligue 1 side Nantes is finding it hard to match same feat at Porto following his return from loan as he is still waiting for his first appearance of the season.
Rohr will no doubt rely on the duo of Ekong and Balogun for the games against Libya but an injury to any or suspension could mean handing game time to either Awaziem or Omeruo who are yet to play a game this season.
Osas Mahawi
