The claim by coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr that former captain John Obi Mikel wanted him to drop Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi from the number ten role during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations has drawn a reaction from the Trabzonspor midfielder.
In a series of post made on the official handle of Osasu Obayiuwana who only recently returned from France where he spent time with the coach, he revealed that Mikel wasn’t happy that his spot in the team was handed to Iwobi during the tournament.
According to Osasu that led to a breakdown in relationship between the coach and the captain and it played a role in his bit part involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations where Nigeria finished third.
Reacting to the claims of the coach, the intermediary of Mikel said the Franco-German coach disrespected Mikel by his statement if it is indeed true that he said to those words to Osasu.
” It’s very disappointing to hear Rohr speak that way about Mikel because of their relationship but one need to be careful when responding to such comments as there’s no audio attached to it but if it’s true then that is very disrespectful “, he told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” Mikel spent ten and half years at Chelsea where he used his hardwork to win over the numerous coaches he worked under at the club without ever making any noise about it. That alone is enough for people to know that something is missing from the statement or someone isn’t saying the truth.
” At the appropriate time, Mikel will reveal what transpired at AFCON 2019 but for sure he never wanted Iwobi dropped because of the number ten role. Mikel is a role model and he won’t scoop that low to interfere with team tactics or selection unless he is asked his opinion “, he concluded.
