Former Nigerian defender, Taribo West, has lauded Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr for dropping the likes of Bryan Idowu, Omeruo Kenneth, Moses Simon and Iheanacho Kelechi in his side’s 3-2 win over Libya in the African Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifying fixture played on Tuesday night in Sfax.
Nigeria had gone two goals up in the opening 17 minutes courtesy of Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa, before Mohamed Zubya and Ahmad Benali levelled for the hosts.
However, Ighalo struck his fifth goal in three days against Libya, to seal three points.
West believes Rohr made the right decision for not featuring the four Eagles’ players, adding that they were like his ‘generals’ in the team before.
”Rohr took some very brave decision in his team selection. Dropping the likes of Bryan (Idowu), Omeruo (Kenneth), Moses (Simon) and Iheanacho (Kelechi). They are like his generals in the team before the games against Libya, “ West told Owngoalnigeria.
”It’s good for the team and the improvement of the players. Everybody will be on their toes for a spot and it will help in future games. It’s a brave move to be honest because it paid off, if it was otherwise he would have been slaughtered“.
Nigeria now tops the Group E with 9 points from four games, while South Africa are in second position with eight points.
Libya occupies the third position with four points as Seychelles is bottom placed with a point.