Ex-international, Henry Nwosu has challenged the technical crew of the Super Eagles headed by Gernot Rohr not to force team's captain, Mikel Obi to play for Nigeria once the qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations begins if he feels he needs time to rest.
Mikel, who was part of the Super Eagles squad that crashed out in the round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, has initially hinted on contemplating whether to play on for the senior national team till AFCON 2019 in Cameroon.
However, Nwosu told Soccernet.ng, that Mikel's availability or absence shouldn't create any kind of debate in the team ahead of the 2019 AFCON Qualifiers.
“I want the technical crew of the Super Eagles to prosecute the 2019 AFCON qualifiers with or without Mikel Obi in the team,” Nwosu told Soccernet.ng
“Yes, he is one of Nigeria's most potent midfielders and has shown great commitment in the course of playing for the senior national team. However, if he decides not to be part of the squad that will prosecute the qualifiers or participate at the Nation's Cup, I don't think it will be ideal to force him to play for us.
“There is no doubt that Mikel is still an important figure in the Super Eagles, but then, the technical crew must start looking for another player who can fit into his shoes before 2019.”
