Rohr Already Decided On World Cup Squad, Says Agali

Nigeria’s (top L-R) Leon Balogun, William Ekong, Anthony Nwakaeme, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Onyinye Ndidi, John Ogu, (bottom L-R) Abdullahi Shehu, Alexander Iwobi, Ola Aina, Oghenekaro Etebo, and Kelechi Iheanacho pose prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B qualifying football match between Algeria and Nigeria at the Chahid Hamlaou Stadium in Constantine on November 10, 2017. Ryad Kramdi / AFP

Super Eagles’ new chief scout, Victor Agali says coach Gernot Rohr won’t be considering new players in his squad for the World Cup in Russia next year.

The Guardian Nigeria report continues:

Agali made this known in a television programme in Lagos monitored by Owngoalnigeria.com, while responding to a question on if new players would make the squad to the World Cup.

He said there would be no need for new players in the team as the coach already has the team for the World Cup, adding that bringing in new players could disrupt the understanding existing among the players.

“The players are fired up now, the bonding is strong and they understand themselves, there would be no need to disrupt that understanding by bringing in new players. Rohr already has the players he will need at the World Cup”, Agali remarked.

Meanwhile, Fortuna Dusseldorf of Germany goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has disclosed that he was thrilled at the weekend to meet Agali at his base in the countryside.

Working on his new role as chief scout for Rohr, Agali paid Okoye a visit over the chances of the youngster switching allegiance to Nigeria, and the shot-stopper appears excited by the offer.

Okoye does not need to apply to FIFA to change his association, as he has not played competitively for Germany at any level.

Agali is scouring Europe for fresh talents eligible to represent the Eagles ahead of their sixth participation in the World Cup.

Okoye hinted on Instagram after the meeting that he is ready to represent Nigeria at senior international level rather than Germany.