Gernot Rohr said He Will Excuse China-based Captain, Mikel Obi And Odion Ighalo For Nigeria Match Against Algeria

By JUDE OPARA, ABUJA As the Super Eagles await the November 11 formality game with the Desert Foxes of Algeria in the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, technical adviser of the team, Gernot Rohr has revealed that he might excuse the duo of China-based captain, Mikel Obi and Odion Ighalo from the game. Ighalo and Mikel Rohr explained that the game though very important to win because of the FIFA ranking and the draws for the World Cup will also be an opportunity to test the ability of some other players to represent the country at the highest level. According to him, the China based players will be playing on November 4 and will not have the luxury of a two weeks grace like they had during the twin header with Cameroon, hence the need to avoid stressing them unnecessarily. “Honestly, it is going to be a dicey one because it is important for us to finish the qualifiers without losing a match. However, we will want to marry the two situations of not losing the game and also giving an opportunity to some other new players to showcase their skills. “Also remember that before then, some players might be fit while others may not. Those coming from China have a long journey to make and when their league resumes on November 4, they will not have the extra two weeks like they had when we played Cameroon’’.

Rohr also revealed that he is already targeting to play an international friendly with Tunisia after the game with Algeria so as to have an ample opportunity of seeing some other players he has not seen ahead of the Mundial.