IKENWA NNABUOGOR reckons Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr will unleash Henry Onyekuru at this crucial stage of the AFCON…
Against all expectations, fans are disappointed that Eagles coach Rohr has yet to hand the Turkish Super League double champion Henry Onyekuru a chance to prove himself as the Eagles flew their way to the semifinals of the AFCON 2019 in Egypt.
The former Eupen of Belgium striker has been observing proceedings from the bench as Rohr continues to keep faith with his trusted marksman Odion Ighalo, who has scored three goals thus far to be among the top scorers in the continental soccer showpiece.
Rohr insisted Onyekuru’s learning curve from the dugout was worth it, but could the learning process be over now that Eagles are in stage where extra and fresh energy could be relied on to fly into the final?
Perhaps, Rohr’s unpopular decision to keep the deadly striker, who netted 14 times this past season to ensure a double for the multiple Turkish league champions, on the bench could be tactical going into the crucial stage.
A likely Tunisia 1994 scenario when previously untested Emmanuel Amuneke was introduced in the final against Zambia for his very first appearance could be re-enacted.
Amuneke scored both goals in the famous 2-1 win to hand his country their second AFCON title.
Onyekuru has proved time and time again to be a match winner and could again be so for his country at this crucial stage.
Eagles face perennial arch-rivals Algeria in the semis and should Rohr decide to play Onyekuru, the North Africans will have their hands full with his bag of tricks, direct-playing style and incredible goal sense.
Onyekuru surely knows his way to goal and will grab this chance to prove himself again.
Fresh legs, brand new pair of heels, the Fennecs could be hit with Onyekuru’s bug should Rohr unleash him against them.
Onyekuru is not the only striker yet to taste action as Victor Osinmhen is equally eyeing his AFCON debut.
Sometimes, it’s best to save the best for last and this could be what Rohr is doing.
Few days from now may reveal this…
