Three Super Eagles Players Who May Miss The 2019 AFCON Despite Being 'Rohr's Boys'

Published: April 25, 2019

These players are either playing very well at the moment at their European clubs and are naturally expected to make the cut for the AFCON in Egypt or have been in the team for a considerable period of time to be considered some of the head coach's favourite players.

Izuchukwu Okosi takes a look at these Super Eagles trio following Rohr's decision not to extend invitations to new players who have never played under his watch.

1. Mikel Agu

Unpopular with most of the Nigerian fans, Mikel Agu has played just 15 league games for Portuguese side Vitoria Setubal this season chalking up a total of 1,319 minutes of playing time.

The defensive midfielder who has scored once and has been yellow carded twice at his club this season was arguably the best player when the Eagles played against Uganda in a friendly at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba in November 2018.

The fight for defensive midfield positions in the Super Eagles will be an interesting one as only Wilfred Ndidi (barring any unforeseen situations - John Mikel Obi plays as attacking midfielder for Nigeria) is perhaps the only player in that position who is almost guaranteed a place in the team.

Mikel Agu has been on the sidelines since February 3 after suffering a muscle injury.

2. Samuel Chukwueze

Villarreal of Spain winger Samuel Chukwueze has been in terrific form for the Yellow Submarine this season despite their flirting with relegation. He has scored five goals in 22 league appearances with 1,359 minutes played.

Now the Spanish side are in 16th position in the La Liga table and are out of danger at least for now.

The former Golden Eaglets star who was a member of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winning team in Chile where he was adjudged as the third best player is expected to be in the Super Eagles team for the AFCON in Egypt but is also being considered for the Nigeria U-20 side who will participate in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland between May 23 and June 15, 2019 as he is still within the age limit in a bid to add a bit of star dust to the Flying Eagles squad.

3. Semi Ajayi
Rotherham United's Semi Ajayi is the proud holder of the EFL Championship Player of the Month award for March 2019.

From his defensive midfield position (he started the season as a central defender) he has scored seven league goals in 44 Championship games so far. He has started in all and has been subbed off just once!

Ajayi's work ethics is great but his style of play and orientation might work against him in an African tournament.

Izuchukwu Okosi