Rohr Runs Out Of Excuses, Admits Mikel Has Taken Sabbatical From International Football

Published: October 30, 2018

Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has taken a sabbatical from international football, according to manager Gernot Rohr after omitting the midfielder from the 23 players invited to prosecute next month's games with South Africa and Uganda.

The international future of the Chelsea legend has been up in the air after he made himself unavailable for selection for the three Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Seychelles and Libya.

The German football tactician has run out of excuses, especially as Mikel is back playing at his Chinese club, and was forced to admit that his captain does not want to represent the Super Eagles for now.

''Mikel told me that he will tell me when he will be ready to come back. He didn't tell me yet. So I wait,'' said Rohr to Kwese ESPN.

"I hope that we can go with him to AFCON and win it for him.''

Mikel last wore a Super Eagles jersey in their 2-1 loss to Argentina in a group game at the 2018 World Cup.

The 31-year-old has earned 85 caps for the senior national team since he debuted against Libya thirteen years ago.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel