2019 AFCON Q: Rohr Faces Selection Headache As NFF Confirms Players Withdrawals

By Festus Abu Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr is set to make some tactical changes to his team for their Cameroon 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in Victoria on Saturday, as he faces a difficult choice over choosing the Super Eagles’ starting defenders. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday that the Eagles had been dealt a triple injury blow with Udinese centre-back William Troost-Ekong, Torino right-back Ola Aina and Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi ruled out of the Stade Linite clash. Nigeria lost their Group E Cameroon 2019 qualifier 2-0 against South Africa in Uyo last year and desperately need a win to revive their qualification hopes — especially since they failed to qualify for the last two editions of the continental showpiece. Two teams will qualify for the tournament in Cameroon, and Libya are leading the group following their 5-1 defeat of minnows Seychelles, South Africa are second following their victory over Nigeria. Reports say Rohr is wary of the threat posed by the Pirates to his team’s bid to secure victory and has told his troops that they must rise to the challenge and claim all points. The veteran coach is said to be particularly concerned about missing his hardworking and physically imposing defender Troost-Ekong, who his Italian Serie A side said on Tuesday would stay in Udine for treatment after he was injured during Zebrette’s 1-0 defeat by Fiorentina in their league fixture at Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday. Leon Balogun appears to be guaranteed a starting role in the heart of Nigeria’s defence, but Rohr is said to be racking his brains about the Brighton defender’s partner, with Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem the only two tested players capable of filling in for Troost-Ekong. Uncapped Rotherham centre-back Semi Ajayi is untested. With Benfica’s Tyronne Ebuehi, Bursaspor’s Shehu Abdullahi and Aina out, Rohr faces more defensive headaches. Mikel Obi and Moses Simon are also out of the match. Victor Moses retired from international football recently. Meanwhile, the team played beach football and volleyball on Tuesday as they intensified preparations for Saturday’s encounter. According to the NFF, 18 players were in camp as of Tuesday afternoon. They are Henry Onyekuru, Omeruo, Francis Uzoho, Ajayi, Samuel Kalu, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Awaziem, Kelechi Nwakali, Bryan Idowu, Simeon Nwankwo and Joel Obi. Others are Ahmed Musa, Ogenyi Onazi, Odion Ighalo, Jamilu, Oghenekaro Etebo and Balogun. Goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi were expected to hit camp in the evening.