Rohr Reveals NPFL Stars Will Compete With Foreign-Based Pros For 2019 AFCON Spots

Published: March 19, 2019

Manager Gernot Rohr has made a U-turn by refusing to completely rule out the possibility of Nigeria Professional Football League stars making the Super Eagles roster for this summer's Africa Cup of Nations.

The German has called up four home-based players for the meaningless AFCON qualifier against Seychelles (March 22) and a glamour friendly with Egypt (March 26).

Rohr had been wary of including NPFL players on the roster for Super Eagles matches, arguing that the infrastructure needed for the development of these players are not up to scratch and some individuals only recommend players with the intention of selling them abroad.

''We have invited Effiong from Akwa United, so we have four home-based players,'' said Rohr at a media parley attended by allnigeriasoccer.com.

''We have Udo, the captain of the U20 team, who played very well in the last U20 AFCON, then we also have Ezenwa and Valentine who is a tall defender and good.

''There is competition for our list for the Africa Cup of Nations.''

The matches against Seychelles and Egypt should serve as an audition for Ikouwem Udo, Valentine Ozornwafor and Ndifreke Effiong to earn spots on the AFCON roster, given that Ikechukwu Ezenwa will be heading to Egypt as one of the three goalkeepers.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel