Gernot Rohr has dismissed speculation in some quarters that former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has been relieved of his duties as captain of the Super Eagles.

Since the appointment of Rohr as coach of the three-time African champions, three different players Eddy Onazi, Obi Mikel and Elderson Echiejile have worn the captain's armband.

The German has explained that the Trabzonspor and Monaco stars took on additional responsibilities because Mikel was recovering from injury.

''No, the problem for Obi Mikel was his injury for six months so he needed time to come back physically,'' Rohr said to HipTV.

''Against Cameroon, it was only the beginning of him playing after his injury,  he wasn't able to play ninety minutes at a high level, so I didn't want him to pick up an injury again.

''Now he is better and can play ninety minutes.''

Mikel was first appointed the substantive captain of the Super Eagles by caretaker coach Samson Siasia in March 2016, ahead of an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt.

The Tianjin Teda midfielder and defender was Team Nigeria's captain at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel