The German has received criticism for his preference for foreign-born players in the Super Eagles, but he has defended his selection
Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has hit back at critics of his choice of players, saying he picks players based on their quality and not where they are born.
Several Nigerians have expressed their dissatisfaction with how the Super Eagles team is now dominated by players born abroad to parents of Nigerian origin. ‘
In the squad preparing for the international friendly game against Algeria, a majority of the players were born outside Nigeria.
The likes of Kevin Akpoguma, Cyriel Dessers, Tyronne Ebuehi, Semi Ajayi, and Ola Aina all grew up outside Nigeria.
However, speaking in his press conference ahead of the clash against the current African champions, Rohr revealed where the players grew up should not be a criterion when selecting players for the national team.
“When we want to make our list, we look at quality not where they were born. I am also happy to hear Nigerians born abroad make the decision to play for us,” Rohr said in his press conference via a Zoom Call.
The former Bordeaux coach also stressed it is not right for critics to talk about the players’ skin colour or where they were born.
“It is not good to talk about their colour or where they are born. They are Nigerians and want to play for Nigeria,” he added.