Having played a vital role for the Super Eagles in the impressive 4-2 friendly win over Argentina, Tyronne Ebuehi’s inclusion in the national set-up is an intriguing one.

Eagles gaffer Gernot Rohr’s public show of support, Nigeria welcome its most promising defender, still ahead of schedule.

Ebuehi was born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father and Dutch mother.

In November 2016, he was called up to the Nigeria national team for the first time for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

However, he declined the call-up and stated that he needed some time to settle into his club ADO Den Haag.

He was later called up for friendlies vs Senegal and Burkina Faso in March 2017 and joined up with the squad.

Ebuehi made his senior debut for Nigeria in a 3-0 friendly win over Togo on 1 June 2017.

Rohr was one of many to praise the youngster’s maturity, and his capability to play on the right flank of a defensive line with ease and intelligence.

When the Super Eagles were down 2-0 against Argentina, Rohr wasn’t afraid to give the fair skinned lad the chance to impress.

The actions speak volumes of his belief in Ebuehi’s talents, demonstrated in a brilliant 45 minutes.

It might come ahead of the likes of an in-form Shehu Abdullahi and at a time when Nigeria are blessed with a number of full-backs.

What is also significant is the roles the full-backs will play in what now looks to be a favoured 4-3-1-2 shape, with the attack dependant on consistent wide-support from the full-backs.

Not only is Rohr putting reliance on the full-back positions to deliver on the pitch, he is opening himself up to criticism in selecting Ebuehi in contradiction of his otherwise very clear meritocracy principle.

Rohr may be taking a risk on maintaining Ebuehi’s place in the squad whilst his form is still far from guaranteed.

However, it is a calculated decision on the youngest full-back in Eagles contention, and on potential someone fit to also gamble on.