Taribo West impressed by Ahmed Musa and Kenneth Omeruo

Victor Moses (2nd R) of Nigeria celebrates scoring the equalizer during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group D preliminary round soccer match between Nigeria and Argentina in St.Petersburg, Russia, 26 June 2018. EPA/Tolga Bozoglu

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Monday Jul 02, 2018. 16:00

Legendary Nigerian defender Taribo West has picked Ahmed Musa and Kenneth Omeruo as the best players for the Super Eagles in Russia.

Taribo West said Omeruo is his standout defender in the Nigerian squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, based on his set piece defending.

The former Super Eagles centre back, who featured for Nigeria in two World Cups, stated that Omeruo’s inclusion in the defence after the 2-0 loss to Croatia strengthened the team.

“For me Leon Balogun and Troost- Ekong did well but the inclusion of Kenneth Omeruo ensured we were not caught out in set-pieces and dead balls,” West told CSN in Lagos.

“He is gaining more experience and I hope the see him get even better after the ups and downs.

“I think, going forward, we should play to the strengths of our players than just mere tactics. He (Omeruo) did well to force his way back after all the condemnation.

“I just hope he and the rest step up and get us another Africa Cup of Nations title.”

Moreover, the former Inter Milan player also reserved praise for Leicester City’s Musa and Oghenekaro Etebo.

“Musa also too was the best player in attack scoring twice in three games. Not many gave him a chance but he proved himself scoring twice just as Etebo also did well in the middle,” added West.

“He thrived playing along with Mikel. I hope they keep this form and build on it.”

The West Africans failed to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.