Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr reckons Chelsea are punishing Mikel Obi for participating in the RIO 2016 Olympics. The Blues midfielder hasn’t laced his boot for the premier league outfit this season and Nigeria’s chief technical adviser claims he is being snubbed for missing out on pre-season preparations.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo, the German said,
“I can never punish a player because he played for his country, and I am not happy with what is happening to Mikel at his club because he is my captain. The only thing that has not made Mikel to play for Chelsea this season is because he went with the U23 team that won bronze at the 2016 Olympics games, and that is why he is being punished. He has not featured under the new coach, Conte, since then. But I will still build the team playing against Algeria around him because he is in a good shape and fit for the match. Besides, Mikel is committed to the national team and he is a source of motivation to the other players.”