Rohr’s Defensive Dilemma: Troost-Ekong Speaks On Which Of Omeruo, Ajayi Should Start In Defence Against Benin

With the Super Eagles boasting top quality defenders in the centre of defense and with the return of Kenneth Omeruo after a two-match absence, coach Gernot Rohr is having to make a decision on which pair should start against Benin but William Troost-Ekong believes it should not cause discontent among the players.

Udinese defender William Troost-Ekong has brushed off suggestions that the return of Leganes of Spain centre-half, Kenneth Omeruo, may affect the team’s stability at the heart of the defence.

Troost-Ekong and West Brom’s Semi Ajayi provided a fine defensive cover for Gernot Rohr’s men when they battled three-time world champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw exactly a month ago.

But Kenneth Omeruo, a 2013 AFCON winner and an impressive figure when Nigeria claimed a bronze medal in Egypt earlier in the year, is back to reclaim his starting spot.

However, instead of hostilities and infighting, Troost-Ekong is certain that whatever decision Rohr makes, regarding who is to start, will be accepted gladly by everyone.

“I think I am happy to play full stop,” Troost-Ekong told Soccernet’s Chief Editor, in Tuesday’s press conference.

“I don’t think it’s always me. Kenneth has played visibly well, Semi has played well. Like Kenneth said, it is great to have competition in the team.

“Before my time there were other players and after my time there will be new players again.

“So it is good for us to be doing well for our clubs and fighting for the spot. So I think for Nigeria it is only good to have competition.

Nigeria is scheduled to meet the Squirrels of Benin on Wednesday, November 13 in Uyo in the opening match of the qualifying series for the 2021 African Cup of Nations tournament.