Gernot Rohr Explains Why Mikel, Onazi, Ndidi Not In Eagles' List

..Mikel Opted Out, Ndidi Suspended, Onazi injured [caption id="attachment_5869" align="alignnone" width="297"] Gernot Rohr[/caption] Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr has stated that the team's captain, Mikel Obi opted out for the squad and will be invited back to the until he makes up his mind to return back to the team. China-based Mikel and fellow midfielder Ogenyi Onazi were two of the high profile absentees from Rohr's latest squad for next month's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa, and a friendly against Uganda three days later in Nigeria. Mikel has not played for Nigeria since the World Cup earlier this year, despite playing for his club Tianjin TEDA, and Rohr told reporters that the decision was down to the player. "Mikel told me that he will tell me when he will be ready to come back. He didn't tell me yet. So I wait," the German said. Ogenyi Onazi on his part, will miss the South Africa clash due to injury. As for Onazi, Rohr pointed to medical reasons, shutting down suggestions of a rift with one of his senior players: "Onazi had a problem with injury. He left Uyo before the match against Libya [earlier this month]. "I have to be aware of the health of our players. We didn't want to do injections on Achilles tendons before the games." With Wilfred Ndidi suspended after an accumulation of yellow cards, the Super Eagles look short of midfield options. But Rohr insists that he has more than enough cover: "We have four defensive midfielders. [Oghenekaro] Etebo, Mikel Agu, John Ogu and Semi Ajayi." Additionally, while Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho are listed as forwards, both can play in the advanced midfield role. Group leaders Nigeria take on South Africa on 17 November in Johannesburg, needing just one point to guarantee qualification for their first Afcon appearance since winning the title in 2013. Credit: Kwesesports