Coach Gernot Rohr has confirmed that captain John Obi Mikel will not be available for selection ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles next month.
Rohr speaking to ESPN said Mikel had called him to ask for his name to be withdrawn.
“We spoke together. He is just coming back from injury and he needs to push his club commitments to get back in shape” Rohr said.
“After injury he needs time to get fit again,” the German tactician added.
Gernot Rohr is expected to announce his squad for the September clash on Firday, August 24th.
NIgeria lost the opening group game against South Africa last June and a win on September 8th will ensure the Eagles are on track to qualify for the 2019 tournament in Cameroon next June.
Four key players in the super Eagles will miss the match against Seychelles which includes victory Moses, John Obi mikel , Shehu Abdullahi, and Tyrone Ebueyi.
It is yet to be seen if these injuries worry, retirement excuse , and needs to be fit again will not be counter productive against Seychelles come first week of September.