Why Ebuehi turned down Nigeria

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has explained why Tyrone Ebuehi turned down a chance to play for Nigeria in the World Cup qualifier
against Algeria this month.

The 20-year old Dutch-born right back was a surprise inclusion in
Nigeria’s squad list for the game against Algeria, and after initially
appearing to accept the opportunity, the youngster turned the
opportunity down.

Speaking only days after being included in the Super Eagles list, the
defender told his club’s official website: “I see it as a great honour
that I am noticed in my homeland.

“But at this moment ADO Den Haag require my full attention especially
now that I have settled into the main team. Therefore it does not seem
the right time to travel to Nigeria for the match.

“I want to focus completely on the club, but I certainly do not rule out that I could take up another call-up.”

However, Rohr has now clarified why the youngster has chosen to stay out of the game this weekend.

“He’s a very good, young player, a right back. His agent did not want
him to come yet because he is still very young, he has only played
four, five games for the first team of Den Haag,” Rohr said in Lagos on
Sunday.

“His agent believes that it’s too early for him to play for Nigeria that he should first stablise at his club.

“But the player wants to come and next time, he will come.

“He said yes he will play for Nigeria at first, but then the agent came into the picture and made some observations.

“I also spoke to his parents and they also wanted him to come too.”