Ndidi and Aribo were not available for selection, but Bonke and Micheal ensured that the regulars were not missed in the game against Cape Verde.
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has praised Nigeria's midfield duo of Innocent Bonke and Kingsley Micheal after they put up an outstanding show in the midfield against Cape Verde.
Following the 2-0 victory against Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, some important members of the team had to leave as they had to comply with the UK's Covid-19 protocols.
Unfortunately, Nigeria's midfield trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Alex Iwobi were part of that group. Their absence left Rohr with very limited options in the middle of the park, with only the inexperienced duo of Micheal and Bonke available for the game against Cape Verde.
It's a difficult situation to be in for Rohr as, despite their great form at their clubs, they had never played for the Super Eagles,
However, Micheal and Bonke, pulled off a commanding show in midfield, dictating the rhythm of the game for Nigeria. Their efforts were crucial as they helped the Super Eagles cruise to a 2-1 victory.
Following the match, Rohr praised the two players effort.
“The two players did very well,” the German tactician told the media.
“In the beginning of the match, of course, they missed a little bit the harmony because it was the first time and perhaps also the last time they'll play together like this, but they did very well like professionals.”
“I think the work they had to do they did it well,” he added.
The duo will hope they've done enough to earn a place in the team next month when the Super Eagles continue their World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic in a doubleheader tie.
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Rohr just have to find quality replacements in all positions in the team. That’s what differentiates us with other top teams in a big competition.
Rohr needs to work harder if he wants to go forward with our players. We have materials to play any team.
Super eagles are a good side. The players ply their trade mostly overseas in Europe and other places. Rohr needs to work harder if he wants to go forward with our players. We have materials to play any team.
The team is commendable for their efforts, wishing them best in the future games.
The game against Cape Verde was better in terms of coordination. Rohr should focus on building a team around players that played both games and occasionally invite one or two new players if need be.
One good thing about the match is that we have gotten a replacement for Ndidi in case of injury or a bookable offence resulting in suspension
In all honesty there was a gaping hole in our midfield against Cape Verde. Michael and Bonke tried but you could clearly see that they struggled to take control and properly marshal that mid area, in both offensive and defensive transition. However, the opposition tried to assert themselves but failed due to the general superiority of the super eagles.