Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr has raised the hope for the future saying, he would build the team in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifying match against Algeria around captain Mikel Obi, despite not featuring currently for his Chelsea club in Europe.
Rohr said this at a press conference in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, that Mikel has recuperated and he is fit for tomorrow’s match blaming his woes in Chelsea on his outing for the Nigerian Dream Team at the last Olympics in Brazil where the team won bronze medal.
“Mikel is currently being punished in his Club side, Chelsea, because of his last outing for the Nigerian Dream Team at the last Olympics in Brazil, where the team won bronze medal.
‘‘He has not been featured for the team under the new coach, Conte, since then. But I will still build the Super Eagles’ team playing in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifying match against the Desert Warriors of Algeria around him because he is in good shape and fit for the match. Besides, Mikel is committed to the national team and he is a source of motivation to the other players,” he said.
While predicting a good win by Super Eagles he maintained that, the Algerian team is not a push over but, urged Nigerians to support the team by cheering them to victory.
Also, the captain, Mikel Obi said, he would not allow his present predicament in Chelsea to affect his spirit and readiness for the match against Algeria since a win will boost the team’s chance of getting the ticket from the group.
He said although there have been some cases of injury in the team, it would not affect the team, pointing out that Algeria also have few cases of injuries on their part.
Mikel assured Nigerians that, Super Eagles will clinch the three points at stake, though it might not be easy but wining is a possibility and necessity.
