Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr who is under-fire by the media for calling up CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria winger Viv Solomon-Otabor as replacement for injured Samuel Kalu has explained the reason behind his decision.
The call up to Solomon-Otabor came as a surprise to many considering that the former Birmingham City teenager hasn’t done as much as other Nigerian players plying their trade in leagues higher than that of Bulgaria, Where Solomon-Otabor plays.
Defending his choice in a chat with Owngoalnigeria.com, the Franco-German coach said Solomon-Otabor will surprise many if he gets to play against Brazil and that he called him up as replacement for Kalu because they play same position.
He said he monitored the player for a year before deciding to call him up when the opportunity came following the withdrawal of Kalu. Rohr advised Club Brugge David Okereke and Heerenveen Chidera Ejuke to continue with their impressive form as he will call them up soonest.
” I like what I saw in him when I watched him. He is like Kalu on the wings and we have been monitoring him for some time now. The other players like Okereke, Ejuke will get their chance soon. Solomon got the nod because the vacancy is for a winger. Players doing well need to continue working hard”, the coach explained.
