Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has allayed fears over the reported injury of team captain, John Mikel Obi, saying it is not threatening to hurt the players actions at both Chelsea and Nigeria.
Mikel suffered an injury in Saturday’s AFCON qualifier against Tanzania, which led to his being substituted by Wilfred Ndidi.
Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr revealed he pulled out Obi as a precautionary decision to avoid aggravating the injury so he could be fit on time for his club assignments.
Chelsea star Mikel was replaced by Belgium-based Wilfred Ndidi in the 63rd minute.
“Mikel asked to be replaced because he was injured and I took the precaution to do so because I did not want to hurt the club and the player,” Rohr said.
The coach did not elaborate on the nature or severity of the injury.
Mikel played a more attacking role on Saturday than his usual holding midfield position at his London club.
He was denied a goal from point-blank range after 59 minutes by the impressive Tanzania goalkeeper Aishi Manula.
He also prompted the Eagles first clear-cut chance in the 12th minute when his combination with Ahmed Musa let in the Leicester City forward, who failed to finish off right inside the opposing box.
– Authority
