Rohr Explains Why Ex-Chelsea Star Mikel, Ighalo, Martins & Ideye Were Not Called Up

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has explained why the Chinese-based stars, including Mikel, Ighalo, Ideye, Obafemi Martins and Ujah, were not called up for the Super Eagles first competitive match of 2017 against South Africa.

The German has opened up, stating that ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel is still recovering after surgery, while it was difficult for him to track the performances of the four strikers.

Rohr was also delighted with the performance of Henry Onyekuru, Olanrewaju Kayode, Victor Osimhen and Alhassan Ibrahim during the get-together in France, and this contributed to his decision not to invite the experienced strikers.

''It’s very difficult to monitor the players in China,” Rohr told the national press in Uyo on Monday.

''You already know that one them is injured, our captain (Mikel).

''Also, I was satisfied with the performances of the young players I have been working with for the past two weeks in France and that was why we decided to keep this group.''

Gernot Rohr handed debuts to as many as ten players in Nigeria's 3-0 thrashing of Togo last Thursday, so they won't have cold feet if they are fielded against Bafana Bafana.

Igho Kingsley