Rohr reveals why Kalu wasn't named in Nigeria squad amid talk he was dropped for Chukwueze

Published: November 04, 2021

Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has revealed the real reason Samuel Kalu was not named in the latest Nigeria squad announced earlier this week amid speculation in the local media that he was dropped to make room for Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze.

Apart from Chukwueze, the German has included four other players classed as wingers in the squad list, namely Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa, Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon.

Chukwueze has been recalled to the national team seven months after he was last called in, after recovering from a long-term injury that required surgery.

Rohr has claimed that Kalu asked to be omitted from the Super Eagles squad to enable him concentrate on his career at Bordeaux.

"I spoke with Samuel Kalu. He asked me not to be part of the selection. He wants to focus on the club," Rohr said to France Bleu via girondins33.com.

"He gave me a very good speech. He told me that now is the time so that he will give everything to fight to regain his starting place at the Girondins. I find that rather positive.

"We have a lot of wingers in our selection. Samuel Chukwueze from Villarreal is back, there is also Moses Simon , Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa. The competition is great at his position.

"I think what matters to him now is to be a starter at the Girondins. He has the means but on condition that he is physically at the top. "

Kalu has started three out of a possible twelve games for Bordeaux in the French top-flight and was introduced off the bench in six matches.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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