Rohr on Mikel’s omission; Ozornwafor call up and Iheanacho chances of making AFCON

The omission of Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi from the 23-man squad that will face Seychelles and Egypt came as a rude shock to many when the list of players for the games was released.

The former Chelsea midfielder has returned into top form since he made his move to the championship side Middlesbrough during the winter transfer window, hence, the shock about his exclusion.

He is yet to play a game for Nigeria since the 2018 Russia World Cup and the Super Eagles handler Gernot Rohr has explained the reason behind the omission of his captain from the games against Seychelles and Egypt.

“He has arrived in Middlesbrough recently. He told me he was not ready and needs to work after his knee injury in China. He did not play all winter either. He was not ruled out for the AFCON but could not make that match in Asaba (vs Seychelles). We will see for the future,” he said

Rohr who handed a debut call to Enyimba and Flying Eagles defender Valentine Ozornwafor explained his decision to bring in the tall defender into the fold.

“I expect this player to bring his freshness, his physical strength (1m97) and technical quality . It also offers us an additional option since we have a lot of right sided defenders. I saw him in Niger at the AFCON and I like his aerial game,” he revealed.

The German tactician also talked about Kelechi Iheanacho chances of making the 2019 AFCON squad after missing out on the 23-man squad list for the Seychelles and Egypt games.

“Kelechi needs to play with his club. He also needs to take advantage of the international break to show his qualities to his new coach,” he said.

“I give him time, but there is danger for the AFCON for those who do not play regularly in their club. The final list for the AFCON far from being made for anyone. “