Mahrez, Slimani will bury us in Uyo if Rohr starts Omeruo, Echiejile – Elaho warns

Ex International Friday Elaho has warned Super Eagles technical adviser Gernot Rohr not to start the duo of Kenneth Omeruo and Elderson Echiejile when Nigeria face Algeria in their Russia 2018 World Cup Group B qualifier in Uyo to avoid embarrassment.

Friday Elaho expressed his happiness at the points the team picked in Ndola but maintained defensive duo are the Super Eagles Achilles’ heel and must be avoided if Nigeria must maintain the 100% start to their 2018 World Cup Qualifier campaign.

Kenneth Omeruo was guilty of allowing the Zambians scored against Nigeria when the Eagles played the Chipolopolo earlier this month and the ex-international wants him out of the starting line-up against the Foxes when they come visiting next month.

“Algeria and Cameroon will be  scared of the Eagles following our victory over Zambia,” the Algiers ’90  Africa Cup of Nations silver medallist told Punch correspondent on the telephone on Monday.

“But we must improve on our performance against Chipolopolo if we want to beat Algeria.

“Algeria have (Leicester City’s attacking duo) Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani, who are dangerous players. They have other experienced players.

“I’m really worried about our defence, which almost let us down against Chipolopolo.”

The Senegal ’92 Africa Cup of Nations bronze medallist added, “Omeruo and Echiejile didn’t play as professionals against Zambia.

“If we play  them in our defence against Algeria, they (Desert Foxes) will bury us in Uyo.  The Algerians are very fast and we need good defenders to stop them.

“However, the coach  should invite them  for  the match if there is evidence they have improved.”

The former Brondby forward urged Rohr to leave  players warming the bench at their clubs  out of the squad to face Algeria.

Elaho said, “We should stop inviting players based on what they have achieved in the past. We should invite players on current form.

“We  have many  good young players in Europe and  in the domestic league. they should be given a chance to play for the national team.”