Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr says he is uncertain yet about the participation of Glasgow Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo in Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 qualifying game against Benin.
Aribo has made a great impression since his debut with the Super Eagles in September and is tipped to start for a third game in a row against the Nigerian neighbours.
Rohr, at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon explained the situation with the new Nigerian Number 10.
“Aribo travelled all night long from London to Lagos and then arriving now,” said Rohr to journalists.
“I’ve even not seen him yet (as at time of presser). So, it will be very difficult for him to start the game.
“I want to see in the training session, how he is physically. Our training session is late as possible, 6pm (on Tuesday) so that we can give them the opportunity to rest.
“And if Aribo is fit, of course, now he is one of our key players. If he is not, I don’t want to take any risks for injuries and we can decide in the last moment tomorrow if he will start the game or not,” Rohr added.
Nigeria had only fourteen players in their first training session for the game on Monday evening but the rest, including Aribo and vice captain William Troost-Ekong have trickled in on Tuesday.
Wednesday’s game scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo will kick off at 5pm Nigerian time.
