Speculations are rife in certain media circles that Russia born and based fullback Brian Idowu is being placed on standby to replace left back Jamilu Collins for Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers in November.
Germany division 2 defender Collins has become an injury doubt following a knock he suffered recently.
Many had expected Calvin Bassey of Ranger in Scotland - who recently pledged his allegiance to Nigeria ahead of England and Italy - to be the automatic choice owing to his passion and hunger. Also, as Nigeria lost Ike Ugbo to Canada this month, many fans are expecting Nigeria to cap tie Calvin before he changes his mind.
Twenty one years old Calvin was invited to the double header against Central African Republic in October only to see both games out on the bench, much to the frustration of many Super Eagles fans who were itching to see the exciting left-footer strut his stuff for Nigeria.
And - if the rumours turn out to be true - fans will have to wait a bit longer with Idowu expected to be called up if Collins cannot make it.
Idowu never really connected with a large number of fans who are not sold on his style of fullback play. A right footer, Idowu started all of Nigeria's games at the 2018 World Cup with no performance of note for fans to enjoy.
He started his Super Eagles career in thrilling style, scoring a beauty against Argentina in a 2017 high profile friendly. That to date remains his sole memorable performance in Super Eagles colours across 10 caps.
That said, he has been ever present, ever consistent and ever improving in the Russian league in the past 2 seasons with 3 goals in 28 games for modest outfit Khimki. He has looked solid defensively and hungry when going forward.
Although Idowu, 29 years old, has improved from the player that went to the 2018 World Cup, many fans would still prefer a young and natural left footer like Calvin Bassey moving forward.
Bassey is fluid, sleek and offers attacking threats with his purposeful play and pristine deliveries whilst keeping it tight defensively with robust tackles and interceptions.
For a coach always talking about his 'young team' Rohr seems to be stabbing his own mantra by inviting retired Ighalo (instead of younger vibrant options) and apparently opting for Idowu instead of Bassey.