Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has once again defended his selection of the players in his provisional list for the World Cup 2018 in Russia starting in June.
Speaking at the media parley of the team, the Franco-German coach of the Super Eagles defended the inclusion of Uche Agbo, who is yet to play a game for the team despite his constant invitation for the past two years.
“Uche Agbo didn’t play in the qualifiers because we have many competition in that position. He is always with the team because he had a good season with his club Standard Liege”, Rohr said.
Rohr also refuted speculations in some quarters that his 30 man provisional list for the World Cup was influenced by some members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“We had to influence on the provisional list. We have at least two players per positions and we did the list together – me and my coaching team. I did not get a single interference from the NFF on the list,” he remarked.
Speaking on the clamour for Arsenal youngster Kelechi Nwakali to be included in the squad on the strength of his performance for the Super Eagles B against Atletico Madrid, the coach played down the strength of the Atletico Madrid team that played against the Nigerian team.
“You cannot say that we should take some players after the holiday match against Atletico. They came with a second team and the plan was to see them for the future. I have no regrets with my selection.
“My real regret is that people talk about players not on the list than those on the list. This is not fair as we have many interesting players on that team as well,” Rohr further explained.
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