Turkish Referee, Not Rohr, To Decide If Obi Mikel Can Play Against Argentina

Published: June 25, 2018

Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon, Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has provided a fresh update on John Obi Mikel, who suffered an injury in the closing minutes of the 2-0 win against Iceland last Friday.

The German revealed that the former Chelsea midfielder visited the hospital as soon as the team arrived in Saint Petersburg from their base camp and will be able to play against Argentina if he is permitted by Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir.

Responding to a question from Channel Television's Austin Okon Akpan, Rohr said : ''Mikel has a fracture of the third metacarpal of the left hand and it's not a big fracture but he has to play with a cast.

''We arrived yesterday in St Petersburg, he visited the doctor immediately and came back with a protection.

''I think he can play with that, we have to ask the referee to accept, but it is hard plastic so I think it is okay. He is not feeling so much pains, I think he will be ready.''

Argentina have one of the oldest squads in the 2018 World Cup with an average age of approximately 30 years, while the Nigeria team is the youngest with an average age of 25.9 years.

''The youthfulness in such important games can also be a disadvantage, we saw it in the first two games, we conceded stupid penalties, some fouls because they are so young, I hope we learn from these mistakes.

''The experience of Argentina can be a positive point in such games, each player want to be in the second round. Against Croatia, someone said they are experienced which is right and we are so young.

''The most important is concentration, discipline, good organization and the players who can make the difference collectively and individually,'' added Rohr.

John Obi Mikel participated in the Super Eagles final workout before they take to the pitch against Argentina.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel