AFCON2019: Rohr banking on Mikel experience

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Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr says captain John Obi Mikel will be a key player for the Super Eagles at the African Cup of nations that will kick off on Friday in Egypt.

The Middlesbrough midfielder is the most experienced player in the squad having been part of the team since 2005 when he made his debut for three-time African champions.

Rohr named a squad consisting majorly of young players who will participating in the tournament for the first time and the tactician is banking on the 2013 AFCON winner to lead his team to glory in Egypt.

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“Mikel is the captain and also a leader in the team, he has also seen it all so his experience will be very crucial for the Super Eagles. There are so many players in the squad who are playing the competition for the first time, so Mikel’s presence will help propel them to give their best,” Rohr said.

Nigeria has been pooled in group B alongside, Burundi, Madagascar and Guinea. They open their campaign against Burundi on Saturday. The second match will be against Guinea before ending their group assignment against Madagascar.

Nigeria squad

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Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba), Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United).

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong and Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor), Tyronne Ebuehi (Ado Den Haag), Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge KSV), Bryan Idowu (Amkar Perm), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC), Leon Balogun (Brighton), Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa).

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda), Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Oghenekaro Etebo (Las Palmas), John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva), Joel Obi (Torino, Italy).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Simeon Nwankwo (Crotone).

 

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