Rohr rules out two key defenders for second match vs Cameroon; hints at playing three at the back

Published: June 05, 2021

Watford star William Troost-Ekong and Paderborn fullback Jamilu Collins will certainly not be involved when Nigeria face off with Cameroon on Tuesday, June 8.

The two defenders, who started last night's clash with the Indomitable Lions, picked up injuries; Collins managed to soldier on until the end of the game but Troost-Ekong had to be replaced on 89 minutes.

With only sixteen outfield players now available for selection including four defenders in the shape of Chidozie Awaziem, Abdullahi Shehu, Valentine Ozornwafor and Izuchukwu Anthony, the German football tactician has hinted at playing three at the back in the next friendly.

Rohr handed debuts to Lorient striker Terem Moffi, Ozornwafor and Abraham Marcus in the defeat to the five-time African champions.

Speaking to the Super Eagles Media Team post-match, Rohr said : "We lost unfortunately two other players through injury and it will be difficult for the second game to make the defence because Troost-Ekong and Collins are out. They cannot play.

"We have to manage again a difficult situation but it is opportunity perhaps also to play with three defenders only and to change a little bit the system, to try something different.

"That is why we are happy to have this second game and the result is not the most important in a friendly.

"The most important is to learn, to see some interesting things, to test some new players, and then for the competition to be efficient, I think what we want to do in September in the World Cup qualifiers."

Nigeria were already short on defence before the first match with the Indomitable Lions, with Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Kevin Akpoguma, Ola Aina, Tyronne Ebuehi and Zaidu Sanusi pulling out of the roster on account of injuries.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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