The senior national team of Nigeria is facing a mini crisis in defence going into the world cup qualifiers games in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe respectively, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Captain of the team William Troost-Ekong is in a race against time to be fit for both games, but his regular partner in defence Semi Ajayi won’t be available. The crucial nature of the the games is why head coach Eric Chelle is sweating on their fitness.
Nigeria are yet to win a game in the series after four round of games, and Chelle will be in charge as the third coach to handle them after four games with the exit of Jose Peseiro and Finidi George respectively.
The games in March will be his first with the team, but he won’t be having the full compliment of his players from the look of things, especially in defence with the doubts about the aforementioned duo.
However he can breathe a huge sigh of relief when he consider that Joe Aribo, who is traditional a central midfielder or attacking midfielder have been deployed as a center back at English Premier League side Southampton in the last three games.
Coach Ivan Juric have been impressed with his performances, despite the fact that they are doomed to be likely relegated at the end of the season, following their return to the English Premier League from the Championship.
Ade Emmanuel