Onyekuru Reveals Why He Has Found It Difficult To Break Into Rohr’s Team

The 23-year-old was named in the Super Eagles squad that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, but he has not been called up since the tournament finished

Super Eagles winger, Henry Onyekuru says he has found it difficult to break into Gernot Rohr’s squad because the German tactician hardly changes his team.

Onyekuru made his debut under Rohr in 2017 and has gone on to win nine more caps since then. However the last of those matches came in 2-1 loss to Algeria in the semi-finals of the competition.

Since then, the former Anderlecht star has found himself frozen out of the National team. Onyekuru endured a torrid campaign at club level, and that may have contributed to his omission from Nigeria’s squad in recent months.

The 23-year-old joined Monaco from Everton last summer, but struggled at the Principality club, and had to be loaned out to Galatasaray in January.

While Onyekuru admits his club fortunes need to change, he insists it won’t play into Rohr’s mind as the former Bordeaux man as his preferred players.

“I don’t think the national team is based just on performances at the club, the coach knows his first eleven,” he told BBC.

“He (Gernot Rohr) is the type of coach who doesn’t change when everything is going well. I’m there to contribute, but hopefully, I will get the chance someday.”

Onyekuru has returned to Monaco from his loan spell at Galatasaray, and he’s hoping for a fresh start ahead of the 2019/2020 Season.

“I have been with players like Keita Balde from my days at the Aspire Academy, Cesc Fabregas is a top guy, who welcomed me when I arrived at the club, it’s like going back home,” he said.

“Monaco are a big club they know how to work with their players when it comes to transfers, just look at Anthony Martial.

“I hope to make a good season or two, and hopefully the future will be bright.”