Rohr reveals exactly why he handed Etebo, Uzoho and Ebuehi starts in AFCONQ vs Lesotho
Published: April 02, 2021Manager Gernot Rohr opted to make four changes to the side that defeated the Republic of Benin when the three-time African champions tackled Lesotho on Tuesday evening.
Stoke City loanee Oghenekaro Etebo, Benfica loanee Tyronne Ebuehi and APOEL goalkeeper Francis Uzoho were three of the four changes Rohr opted to make to his startling lineup.
Now it has come to light that the aforementioned players were named in the starting XI only because goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, right-back Ola Aina and central midfielder Joe Aribo failed fitness tests before the squad headed to the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
"Maduka Okoye was sick, in the last moment he had stomach problems, he could not play, he had to stay in the hotel but he is much better now and he could leave Lagos," Rohr explained.
"We had to change four players with the goalkeeper. Ola Aina was still a little bit injured and tired from the Benin game and of course Alex was coming in for Henry and also Aribo who was sick, the same like Okoye - stomach problem - was replaced by Etebo."
"We had to change four players with the goalkeeper. Ola Aina was still a little bit injured and tired from the Benin game and of course Alex was coming in for Henry and also Aribo who was sick, the same like Okoye - stomach problem - was replaced by Etebo."
The German football tactician explained why the Super Eagles had one training session that lasted for just over an hour after returning from the Republic of Benin.
"It's not easy to come in in the last moment without any training session on Sunday, we arrived late in Lagos and having again the celebration of the President's election, so we could not train on Sunday.
"On Monday was a short training session and not at all for Alex Iwobi who had the authorization to play only few hours before the second game.
"He was in quarantine since the morning of the match in Cotonou."
Nigeria were undefeated in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after racking up four wins and playing two draws with Sierra Leone.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Latest News
- 'I don't know why he never plays' - Ponciroli blasts AC Milan coach over treatment of Chukwueze
- Nigerian exports: Lookman scores and assists; Moffi in red-hot form; Ohio super-sub; Olusanya strikes
- Transfer insider claims Trabzonspor, Crystal Palace-linked striker Iheanacho will leave Leicester this summer
- Southampton loanee Onuachu makes his comeback from injury for Trabzonspor in win v Fatih Karagumruk
- Online SportyBet review: Your gateway to exciting betting and gaming in Nigeria
- NairaBet Casino: Your premier online gaming destination in Nigeria
- 'South Africa is not going to be easy' - Adepoju predicts tough game for Super Eagles v Bafana Bafana
- 'We have the players that can do the job' - Nigeria legend warns Bafana Bafana, Cheetahs ahead of WCQs
- Welcome to the thrilling world of Baba Ijebu online betting
- A comprehensive dive into 22Bet Nigeria: Your ultimate online betting sanctuary
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football