5 things we learnt from Super Eagles squad list for South Africa and Uganda

Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr has released a 23-man list for the games against South Africa and Uganda.

It will be international break again in a fortnight and the Super Eagles will converge for the matchday 4 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against South Africa and a friendly game against Uganda.

Ahead of the games, Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr earlier this week released a 23-man list for the game.

These are five things we learnt from the squad list.

1. Mikel stays away again

 

For the second consecutive time since the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Super Eagles captain Mikel John Obi is missing from the squad.

His absences from the list in September and October were to allow him to recover from injury, But having fully recovered and since been active for his club, his absence was a surprise to many.

But Rohr has come out to confirm that the veteran midfielder opted to be left out of the squad.

“Mikel told me that he will tell me when he will be ready to come back. He didn't tell me yet. So I wait," the German coach told Kwese.

2. Thin midfield

With the continued absence of Mikel Obi and suspension of Wilfred Ndidi-due to accumulated yellow cards- the Super Eagles midfield is pretty thin.

Only John Ogu, Mikel Agu and Oghenekaro Etebo are in the list, that’s three players for two starting berths.

3. End of Onazi’s international career?

 

The conspicuous name missing from the list is Ogenyi Onazi who has reportedly fallen out with Rohr.

He didn’t play in both games against Seychelles during the last international break after claiming an injury but sources within camp believe he fell out with Rohr after being told he won’t make the starting XI.

He has been left out of the squad despite showing a strong showing so far this season for Turkish club Trabzonspor and after taking a swipe at Rohr in an interview in Turkey, it looks like the midfielder’s international career may be over at least in the time being.

4. Osimhen is back

 

There were lots of questions when Victor Osimhen first got a call-up to the Super Eagles in June 2017 but more than a year later, his inclusion in the squad list has been debated.

The 19-year-old has been one of the most in-form Nigerian players in the last month, He has managed six goals so far this season to earn a recall.

5. Samuel Chukwueze gets a chance

 

Just like Osimhen’s first call-up, there have been debates over the inclusion of Chukwueze’s in the squad. Here is a 19-year-old who is yet to make a league debut for Villarreal.

Does he deserve the call-up? Only time can tell.