Yarou relishing role at the heart of defence

After announcing himself in the Nigeria Professional Football League with a match-winning performance against Wikki Tourists, centreback Nabil Yarou has disclosed how there is much more to his game than just defending.

Yarou was handed his NPFL debut in Sunday’s game against Wikki and quickly justified his selection with a match-winning header in the 25th minute.

The goal made it two out of two for Enyimba, having beaten Abia Warriors by the same scoreline on the opening matchday.

Speaking to Enyimbafc.net, the Benin Republic international who arrived from Buffles FC in September, details how his background as a midfielder has contributed to his new role at centreback.

“I was a midfielder from the beginning. That’s what everybody knew me for. I played more from the centre, mostly as a defensive midfielder.

“But it was when some of our defenders were injured that my coach told me to play in defence. I played both at right back and at centreback. At that time, I still preferred the midfield, but I had to do what the team needed me for.”

Yarou has however come to terms with his new position and is ready to get better at it by the day

“Then when I was invited to the national team as a defender, I knew it was time for me to begin to see myself as a defender. I also scored for the national team as a defender.

“Now that I’m at Enyimba, nobody knows I ever played as a midfielder so I just play where the team wants me. But I believe that my background as modifier has also helped me as a defender.”