Rohr Confirms Hertha Talent Torunarigha Has Rejected Playing For Nigeria In Russia

Published: May 11, 2018

Speaking to the German media, Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has confirmed that Hertha BSC talent Jordan Torunarigha has rejected the opportunity to play for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup.

Since the appointment of the German as coach of the national team, he has been able to convince foreign-born trio Ola Aina, Tyronne Ebuehi and Brian Idowu to pledge their international future to the Super Eagles, rather than the countries of their births, but failed in his attempt to convince Germany U21 star Torunarigha.

''We would have liked to take him to the World Cup, if he had wanted to, I could have needed that player,'' Rohr was quoted as saying by volksstimme.de.

Leon Balogun was eligible to represent the national teams of Germany and Italy before he opted to commit his international future to the Super Eagles and Rohr is delighted by that decision.

''The Leon is one of my important players back in the defense, he is fast and brings the German mentality. Together with William Troost-Ekong, he forms a strong central defense,'' added Rohr.

Rohr would have made history in the Super Eagles last international friendly against Serbia by fielding a non-Nigerian born back four, only for Balogun to withdraw from the starting line-up after it was announced due to illness.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : dfb.de