Two Super Eagles big guns, John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi, who were dropped from the latest international call-ups, have reacted to why the coach snubbed them.
While speaking in an interview with Football Live, John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi, who were dropped from the AFCON qualifier against South Africa and the international friendly with Uganda, literally labeled coach Gernot Rohr, a ‘liar’ for reasons given for excluding them in the latest roll call of players for the national team.
The Super Eagles coach, Rohr while announcing the squad in his latest call ups, hinted that Mikel asked to be excused for certain reason which was not disclosed, adding that Mikel has taken a sabbatical from international football.
“Mikel told me that he would tell me when he will be ready to come back. He didn’t tell me yet. So I wait. I hope that we can go with him to AFCON and win it for him,” Rohr told Kwese ESPN.
In a swift response to Rohr who admitted that his captain does not want to represent the Super Eagles for now, Mikel Obi, not only downplayed speculation over his future in the Super Eagles, he equally said he’s still fully committed to the national team.
Mikel who admitted facing some fitness issues but insists he has not retired from Nigeria’s team, said; “My commitment to the national team remains 100%; I still remain a part of the team and will always support the lads.
“The Nations Cup remains our ultimate goal for now and we are just one point away from reaching that target,” Mikel said.
On Onazi, Rohr claimed that Trabzonspor midfielder was omitted from the roster for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa plus the friendly with Uganda because of concerns about his fitness.
”Onazi had a problem with injury. He left Uyo before the match against Libya. I have to be aware of the health of our players. We didn’t want to do injections on Achilles tendons before the games,” Rohr told Kwese ESPN.
But Onazi was on another level in his team’s 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday, earning rave reviews for his performance at the Antalya Stadyumu.
And in an obvious dig aimed at Rohr, Onazi criticized the German for not handing him playing time at this summer’s World Cup.
”I’ll show my quality and talents to those who didn’t give me the chance to play in the World Cup,” Onazi told the Turkish press.
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