'Rohr Knows What He Wants' - Ex-Super Eagles Star Obodo On Midfielders Called Up For Friendly

Former Super Eagles star Christian Obodo is convinced that manager Gernot Rohr did a thorough job before picking the midfielders invited to the Nigeria squad for the upcoming games against Algeria and Tunisia.

Five midfielders were named to the original roster, with the Franco-German football tactician handing maiden call-ups to Frank Onyeka (FC Midtjylland) and Samson Tijani (TSV Hartberg, on loan from Red Bull Salzburg), while Porto product Mikel Agu who has not featured for the Super Eagles for two years is set to add to his international caps.

Leicester City ace Wilfred Ndidi has since pulled out of the squad due to injury, leaving Stoke City loanee Oghenekaro Etebo as the only midfielder with World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations experience.

When asked if he was satisfied with the midfielders summoned for the friendlies by Rohr, Obodo replied : "There's no need to do politics on this, Nigeria is a great country.

"Anytime you are called upon, it's a privilege to be among those selected, you need to be grateful to God because it's not easy, I know that other players out there are fighting to play for Nigeria.

"I believe Rohr knows what he wants, maybe he has been watching these players in the league and their performance.

"Any decision that the coach and technical crew make we need to respect it because if they make any mistake they are the ones to be blamed if they choose the wrong people.

"So far so good they did well, it will make other players to work more harder to get opportunities."

Former Udinese and Fiorentina star Obodo appeared in 21 matches for the Super Eagles, scoring four goals.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel