Mixed Reactions Greet Rohr List

Gernot Rohr’s 30-man provisional list for the Russia 2018 World Cup, which was released by the German on Monday, has generated several reactions from Nigerians.

While  former Super Eagles fringe goalkeeper Segun Oguns faulted the inclusion of “too many Turkey-based players”, ex-Flying Eagles defender Kayode Julius backed Rohr, saying he picked the players he felt would give him the right results in Russia.

Oguns stated, “That list has too many Turkey-based players; some of them are not even regulars in their clubs. Why would players like Brown Ideye and Efe Ambrose, who have been playing regularly in La Liga and Scotland, be omitted from the team?”

Sunshine Stars assistant coach Kayode said, “I can’t criticise the coach because every coach has their philosophy. Rohr knows what he needs and I think he picked the players he feels can fit into his philosophy; all we need is to wish him well.”

Football fan Fred Oboh is delighted with the inclusion of domestic league top scorer Lokosa, though he’s lost over the exclusion of Malaga striker Brown Ideye.

“The list is okay, though they are still going to pick the final 23-man squad from it. It’s very good they included Lokosa, who has scored 18 goals in the ongoing Nigerian league season but I’m a little bit surprised that Ideye is not on the list,” Oboh said.

The Super Eagles are in Group D of the World Cup alongside two-time winners Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.