Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr has revealed why he handed Glasgow Rangers of Scotland midfielder Joe Aribo a starting shirt in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Benin Republic on Wednesday.

The African giants began their quest for the qualifications for the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon with a win over Benin Republic, with Aribo starting his first competitive game for the country.

Aribo was not expected to start the game after he arrived the camp late on Tuesday, but was surprisingly thrown into the frey from the start.

Rohr however hinted that it was the players decision to feature in the game from the start.

“Aribo told me he was not tired after a long flight, and I have confidence in my players when they tell me they are ready to play,” Rohr began.

“Also his father was here and this is (Aribo’s) second time coming into the country, so it was important for him to play.”

Joe Aribo has scored twice for Nigeria in three games .