Oliha wants porous defence reshuffled
by George Akpayen 23 January 2013, 13:17
Ex-Nigerian midfielder, Thompson Oliha believes that the Super Eagles' defence needs to be reorganised for their next Afcon game against Zambia on Friday.
Oliha, 44, told supersport.com that Nigeria captain, Joseph Yobo should not be played in the heart of the team's defence following his shaky performance in Monday's 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Africa Sport man wants Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi to go for a centre-back pairing without Yobo.
"I think Keshi needs to play Yobo at right-back (against Zambia) because he's experienced and has played in that position before. He should look at another option for the central defence but not Yobo because he didn't look convincing in the first game," said Oliha to supersport on Wednesday morning in Lagos.
When prodded further that Yobo might struggle playing at right-back after having always played in a central role for so long, Oliha insisted the Fenerbahce man remains the best option for that role.
"I think Yobo remains the best for that role because the Zambians will come at us and if the coach and the team fail to handle them well it will be a disastrous outing against the Zambians. Remember they are the defending champions," said Oliha.
The ex-Bendel Insurance midfielder also said Nigeria's Super Eagles are left with no choice than to beat their Zambian counterparts, the Chipolopolo after failing to beat the Burkinabes.
"Our boys threw away the chance of beating Burkina Faso. The 1-1 draw wasn't a good result for Nigeria and now they have to beat Zambia to have a bright chance of reaching the quarterfinals. But it won't be so easy," Oliha offered.
Oliha made more than 30 appearances for Nigeria before his career was ended by a serious knee injury.
