ROHR: Mikel assures of November qualifier against South Africa
To speak with team mates on telephone before game in Uyo.
The media Officer of the Super Eagles Toyin Ibitoye has revealed that the Eagle’s captain Mikel Obi was excluded from the 24-man squad list that will battle for a ticket in AFCON qualifier against Libya to enable him gain full fitness from injury base on his request.
Ibitoye while chatting with sportinglfe said the two matches on hand are competitive and not friendly games where the captain can use to gain his fitness.
“Frankly Mikel is not fully fit for competitive matches like AFCON qualifiers that is so dear to the nation. Bringing him without playing him will not help him and the team.
To face Libya the players must be 100% fit. You know that 6 points is at stake and we need it to be sure of qualification having lost out in the two previous editions and the coach (Rohr) has already discussed with the captain before making the list public.” Ibitoye said
He also stated that the coach has assured him invitation in the November tie against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa as soon as he regains his fitness.
“You know Mikel is a leader and a motivator, his physical presence in the team changes a lot things. Definitely his team mates will miss him but arrangement is on for him to speak to the players on telephone before the match against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya as a way to boost their morals”. Ibitoye revealed.