AFCON 2019: How Collins Injury Helped Awaziem Discover His New Potential

Modern day football requires that a player can operate in more than one position as there could be situations where managers have no option but to switch from one formation to another in the course of an encounter.

In some cases, a team could be struck by injury crises during major competitions which will force managers into utilizing some players out of their natural positions.

The latter was the situation Gernot Rohr found himself before the Super Eagles opener against Burundi.

The German tactician had no option but to start Chidoziem Awaziem at the right back position due to the injury suffered by Jamilu Collins.

Collins has been the Super Eagles undisputed starter at the left-back position since his debut last year but injury ruled him out of the three AFCON matches played by the team.

Ola Aina, who is also good with his left foot, was deployed at the left-back while the Porto star took over the right back position.

Awaziem did wonderfully well in the three matches as he prevented opponents from getting past him too easily.

Though there's a need to improve in his offensive abilities, it won't be too demanding to shower praise on the 22-year-old star for his wonderful display.

Only few people would ever imagine that Awaziem, who has spent all of career as a centre-back, possess all it takes to put up a fine showing at the right-back.

Having unearthed the hidden potential in the youngster, it won't be a surprise should Rohr decide to continue with Awaziem at the right back position for the rest of the competition.

Ibukun Italoye