Rohr's Big Headache : Omeruo Speaks On Competition With Semi Ajayi

Published: November 12, 2019

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has a selection headache for Wednesday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin as he has to choose either Leganes' Kenneth Omeruo or West Brom's Semi Ajayi to partner William Troost-Ekong in central defence.

With the former Chelsea star not available for selection in the two post-AFCON friendlies against Ukraine and Brazil, Ajayi proved himself when he partnered Troost-Ekong.

Omeruo has welcomed competition from the Baggies defender, saying it is good for the national team.

Speaking at Tuesday's press conference attended by allnigeriasoccer.com, Omeruo said : ''Of course the competition is always welcome, the important thing is we have quality players that can replace anybody at anytime and Semi has been part of the team even before the AFCON, so he's someone that we know, we have trained together.

''Everyone can see he's doing very well in his club as well so it is a good thing for the country, for the club to have more than two, three players in the position, the challenge is always good''.

Omeruo has made eight starts for Leganes in the current season whereas Ajayi has gone the distance in all the 17 matches contested by West Brom in all competitions, scoring two goals.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel