The reason behind the placement of Russian-Nigerian left back Brian Idowu on standby by coach Gernot Rohr in the list for the games against Algeria and Argentina has been revealed.
Idowu was seriously under consideration to replace injured Elderson Echiejile as reported by this portal two weeks ago, but he was placed on the standby list when the list was released today.
The Amkar Perm defender who is born to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father has long voiced out his desire to represent Nigeria at international level, and met with Rohr earlier this year.
However the 25 year old who has been earning rare reviews for his performance for Amkar Perm this season is yet to be issued a Nigerian passport according to a source close to coach Rohr.
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” Idowu still has issues with securing his Nigerian passport. If it comes through before the games, he will be in the team for both games, but even if it doesn’t there’s every chance of him training with the team while they are in Russia”, he told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” He (Idowu) wants to play for Nigeria and the coach also feels he can be an option particularly at left back, It’s sad that he can’t make his debut now due to the passport issue. Hopefully it will be sorted out quickly “, he concluded.
Maxwell Pius
