Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr has explained why captain John Mikel Obi will not feature in Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying game against Libya on Saturday.
Recall that Rohr had dropped Mikel from his 24-man squad list that will battle the North Africans this weekend.
Rohr said Mikel informed him that he was not 100 per cent fit to play against Libya.
The German tactician, however, assured that the former Chelsea star will play for the three-time African champions once he attains fitness.
“Mikel called to inform me on his unavailability,” Rohr told allnigeriasoccer.
“He (Mikel) told me he wasn’t ready physically for the demands of playing for the national side at least for now.
“He hasn’t been in the squad of Tianjin Teda recently and that shows he is yet to hit 100 per cent fitness.
“When he is fit, he will come back to the Super Eagles and play. He sends his messages and is always with us in spirit. Hopefully, he should be back for the game against South Africa in November.”
The Saturday game is scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.
The kick-off time for the match is 4pm.
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