2022 WCQ : Super Eagles coach Rohr hints at bench role for former Liverpool striker

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has underlined that it will be difficult for former Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi to force his way into the starting line-up against Central African Republic in a 2022 World Cup qualifying match at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Thursday evening.

The in-form Union Berlin star was not included on the original roster but received a late call-up on Sunday to replace the injured Lorient striker Terem Moffi.

Rohr made it clear that Awoniyi is behind Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Leicester City's Kelechi Iheanacho in the pecking order of attackers but could use him as a substitute.

Speaking to reporters after Tuesday's training session, Rohr stated : "It would not be a gift for him to start after only one or two training sessions.

"That's why we want to see what he does tomorrow in the training session, we have our strikers Osimhen, we have Kelechi.

"We have our wingers so we will see but he has a chance to come in and to finish the game. Sometimes it's more important that you finish the game than to start it".

An U17 World Cup winner with the Golden Eaglets in 2013, Awoniyi has also represented Nigeria at U20 and U23 levels.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel