Lawal advises Rohr to try new players against Algeria, Argentina

Former Super Eagles’ Midfielder, Garba Lawal has advised Coach Gernot Rohr to use the games against the Fennecs of Algeria and Argentina to test other players available for selection in the build to the Russia 2018 World Cup.

Nigeria meets Algeria on November 10 in the last Group B World Cup qualifier in Constantine, and four days later take on Argentina in an international friendly in Russia.

Speaking with The Guardian on the two games, Lawal said the players Rohr needs depends on the kind of formation he wants to experiment in the two games.
“I cannot think or say these are the players that Rohr should use in the two matches. It is left for him to think about who and who should be used. I want to believe sincerely that he will try to give some of these players the chance and it depends on him the kind of games he wants to play.

“Since we have already qualified for the World Cup and a game is coming after the Algeria. I believe Rohr knows better than us what he wants because he will like to use the best that he will take to the World Cup. And at times it depends on how injury free the team will be,” he said.

Lawal, who was a member of Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) technical study group, added that normally a coach does not like making a lot of changes in a team, adding, however, “I still believe he will give some players the opportunity to play. No coach wants to do a lot of changes to a standing team. If he will do that, it might not be more than three to four players. Though he has already qualified but we still have to play against the Algerians for pride, and another test against the Argentines.”