The retirement of John Obi Mikel from the senior national team of Nigeria after the recently concluded 2019 Africa Cup of Nations has caused a vacuum in midfield.
Obi has been the backbone of the team in the middle since the appointment off coach Gernot Rohr who talked him out of retiring from the senior national team of Nigeria after the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
Rohr didn’t bother this time around as the influential captain was sparingly used at the Cup of Nations in Egypt but he is already looking at options who will replace the 33 year old.
Speaking to Owngoalnigeria.com, the Franco-German coach said the team can cope in the absence of Mikel before listing the players that can fill the void created by the exit of the former Chelsea ace.
” In some games in Egypt we did well without him but despite that his experience was badly missed at crucial point during games. He is our captain and a role model so he will definitely be missed”, Rohr said.
” On the pitch the likes of Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi can continue to grow for the grow for the good of the team. We also have Mikel Agu, Semi Ajayi and the captain of the U23 ( Azubuike Okechukwu). These are players we will likely see in the team soon”.
There was no mention for QPR midfield maestro Ebere Eze who started the season in the English Championship with a goal in opening game of the season last weekend.
