'There's an understanding' - Eguavoen defends bringing on Ndah to partner Troost-Ekong in central defence 

Nigeria's caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has defended his decision to bring on Orlando Pirates ace Olisa Ndah to partner William Troost-Ekong in the centre of defence during the second half of his side's 3-0 rout of Republic of Benin in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match staged at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday evening.

A stunning brace from Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen's acrobatic effort secured a win for the three-time African champions.

Against an unpredictable Benin team, Eguavoen set up his team in a 3-4-3 formation, with Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi deployed as the central defenders.

With the Fulham star walking a disciplinary tightrope following his booking in the 39th minute, the aggressive center back had to be replaced by Ndah after the hour mark. 

Ndah is not entirely new to the Nigeria setup as he was part of the squad to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where he made his competitive debut in a group game against Guinea-Bissau.

He was in the international wilderness for close to three years before earning a recall to the national team for the internationals in September. 

Asked to share his thoughts on the defensive partnership of Troost-Ekong and Ndah, Eguavoen said at the post-match press conference: "Whoever comes in, there's an understanding. We have been training for one week. 

"Ndah is not new, he was here for the AFCON in Cameroon so we have worked with him before now and there's that synergy.

"Whoever comes in we want to give specific instructions, just go out and play."

With a combined age of 61, Nigeria's ideal centre-back partnership of Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi are not getting any younger in football terms and despite their experience, opponents could capitalize on their lack of pace.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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