2019 AFCON: I will make a decision on Mikel's fate soon - Gernot Rohr

Head Coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr - Getty

Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr says John Mikel Obi is still part of the team and hinted that he will meet with the experienced midfielder in the coming days to decide on his availability for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.


Mikel last featured for the three-time African champions in their last group game against Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The former Chelsea player failed to appear in any of Nigeria’s six games in the qualifiers prompting speculations that he might have decided to quit international football.

Rohr stated in an exclusive interview with respected journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on Wednesday, “This is the question that I and my team will resolve. I will soon go to see him at @Boro. There are many things to consider but I respect him and what he has done for Nigeria. He remains an important player."

“He has been away from the team for a year but we qualified for the AFCON without him. His absence, as our captain, has been evident. But he has had to deal with a range of issues, after the World Cup in Russia.”

The German tactician also provided updates on the fitness level of Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho who is loan at the Cypriot club Anorthosis Famagusta.

“I have sent Enrico Pionetti, my goalkeeper trainer, to @anorthosisfc, to work on him. At the moment, it’s not, for now, a question of him being number one but of his being one of our three goalkeepers for the AFCON.”

Aside from Mikel and Uzoho, Rohr also have a big decision to make on whether to allow talented youngster Samuel Chukwueze represent Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U -20 World Cup in Poland next month or include him in his team for the AFCON finals in Egypt.

“He is a great talent and I would like him in my team."