The two players have committed their international futures to the three-time African champions, and the German tactician has now revealed the latest about their status
Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has said that both Ovie Ejaria and Ademola Lookman are in his provisional squad for next year's Africa Cup of Nations, which all but confirmed their international switch.
Both Lookman and Ejaria were born in England and have represented the Three Lions at youth level. However, they also qualify to represent Nigeria through their parents and wish to play for the three-time African champions at national team level.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick recently confirmed that the Leicester City man had chosen Nigeria ahead of England.
And with just two months to go before AFCON, Rohr has said that both Lookman and Ejaria are in his plans, and he has contacted them.
When asked if he has spoken to Ejaria and Lookman in a Q&A on Elegbete TV, Rohr said: “Yea, we are in touch.”
“He is in our scouting program. We are seeing every weekend what they are doing.”
“WE have around 30-35 players, and now I have to do a list already for the AFCON of 40 names CAF was asking for.”
“We have until the beginning of November. I have to put together this list of 40 names, of course, Lookman and Ejaria, they are part of it, and we have to watch what they are doing at their clubs,” Rohr added.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group D alongside Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau in next year's AFCON.
I have always been a supporter of Rohr as Super Eagles coach. I have always been critical of those who believe that he is bereft of ideas. With the inclusion of Ighalo, a 32 years old Nigerian who plies his trade in Saudi Arabia, to the exclusion of Awoniyi, Sadiq Umar et Al, he has lost a supporter and I will not rest until he is booted out. His critics are right all this while!
I understand u my bro, neither am I Rohr ardent fan but I must let u know that Ighalo has what Awoniyi n Umar don’t have. He’s a tested n trusted striker that has experience on his side. His invitation to SE will bolster our attack n the young strikers we now have can surely learn one or two things from him. One can quickly recalled the SE match against Cape Verde in Lagos where we lost by a lone goal. Our attackers couldn’t deliver because of inexperience, hence, I believe we so much needs Ighalo and if possible Victor Moses in that team to have a good n formidable team. It’s well.
We can also bring back Okocha , Kanu and Victor Ikpeba. Rasheed Yekini RIP should also be a good addition if we think about it deeply..
…Funni. But your right tho.
We don’t need any form of experience not from a player like lghalo.If you recall victor Moses is fine not Ighalo, Meanwhile Sodiq Umar can still wait for his time.
In summary we need a better Coach than Rohr.
Good move
I don’t think it is a bad idea to recall Ighalo to the national team. I’m really surprised that many people are having issues with that. Those criticising Ighalo, should not forget the role Roger Miller played for Cameroon, when he came out from retirement, to score critical goals for Cameroon in the world cup. Rohr knows what he wants from Ighalo, and we the supporters of the SE, should respect his decisions.
Bringing ighalo back is Good but it is hightime he invite eberechi eze before england get him