2019 AFCON : Rohr On Mikel's Integration Into Super Eagles Team With Five New Players

Published: June 05, 2019

Manager Gernot Rohr has admitted that he is assisting with the integration of John Obi Mikel into the Super Eagles team ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, with at least five new players receiving call-ups since the end of the 2018 World Cup.

This is the first time the Chelsea legend has trained with the likes of Paul Onuachu, Semi Ajayi, Jamilu Collins, Samuel Kalu and Samuel Chukwueze after his self-imposed sabbatical.

Mikel ended uncertainty over his international future by accepting to play for the West African powerhouse at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

''There was no problem with his integration, the players are happy to see him back again, he's working hard. He had a good second half of the season with Middlesbrough,'' said Rohr.

''Since the World Cup we have five or six new players who did very well, so it is my job now to integrate the players with Obi Mikel. ''

With 85 international caps under his belt, Mikel is the most experienced player in the Super Eagles squad and has represented the country at four Africa Cup of Nations.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel