Near-forgotten Super Eagles left Brian Idowu made a massive case for a recall to the national team ahead of November's Afcon qualifiers after his eloquent start to the season in Russia.
He last played for Nigeria as a right fullback against Uganda on November 20 2018 where his performance was judged in some quarters as being subpar; the match ended 0:0.
The St Peterborough born speedster found the back of the net in emphatic style last weekend to bring his output to 2 goals and 1 assist in 11 matches this season in Russia.
Defensively, Idowu has made 3.4 clearances, 1.9 tackles and 1.9 interceptions all per game. Additionally, he has been part of a defence that posted 2 clean sheets.
It is safe to say the 2018 first choice Super Eagles left back has been both busy and effective at both ends of the pitch for his club Khimki since switching from Lokomotive Moscow.
However, has he done enough to be considered for Super Eagles invitation ahead of the next round of matches?
Deep in time added last weekend with Khimki leading 1:0 against Rostov, Idowu ghosted into the heart of the opposition 18 yard box, leaving his marker in his rear-view mirror to eloquently lob past hapless goalkeeper following his own rebound after receiving a low cross to make it 2:0 for Khimki as his effort sailed gloriously into the net.
This looked similar to how he stole behind Argentina's defensive line to stab home his first and only goal to date for the Super Eagles on his debut on November 14 2017.
Unfortunately the consensus is that - just like 1 goal-wonder Onuachu - Idowu has failed to justify subsequent Super Eagles invitations leading to Rohr's continuous search for options in that position.
Hence he is not exactly a fan-favourite much in the way a player like Tyrone Ebuehi is held favourably among a large section of Super Eagles fans.
However, Idowu remains an eligible Nigeria International with his barnstorming performances in Russia putting him in the fray for Super Eagles invitation.
But, Porto's Sanusi, Fulham's Aina and Twente' Ebuehi are firmly ahead of him in the pecking order Super Eagles left fullback options. Even Paderborn's Collins can't be easily brushed aside even as Germany based defender's Super Eagles fortunes continue to dwindle in recent times.
So, the road back to the national team for Idowu is rocky but not altogether insurmountable.
“Now, it is going to be difficult for me to pick our list for the Afcon qualifiers next month because of the new boys who did well," said coach Rohr after October friendlies.
So long as Idowu continues to post powerful performances in club football, Coach Rohr is sure to continue having selection headaches as Idowu's outputs will be hard to ignore.
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