Nigeria Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has stated boldly, without mincing words, that he is going to have his team built around Chelsea FC midfielder – JOHN OBI MIKEL against Algeria. He made this known ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier between Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Desert Foxes of Algeria.

There were doubts over John Obi Mikel’s fitness, due to the fact that he has been left out of  Chelsea’s first team  this season by Chelsea’s new manager Antonio Conte,  but Super Eagles coach Rohr insists that the player is in good shape and is fit to play the match.

The German said Mikel’s problem  at  Chelsea began after he represented Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where Nigeria won a bronze medal.

He said, “Mikel is currently being punished at Chelsea because of his outing for the Nigerian U-23 team at the last Olympics in Brazil.

“He has not featured under the new coach – Antonio 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.”

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He says although the Algerians have a good team, the Eagles are focused on winning the encounter.

Mikel said he will not allow his  current  situation at Chelsea to affect his performance in  the match, adding that a win would boost the team’s chances of getting the sole ticket from the group.

Although there have  been  cases of injuries  in the team,  Mikel said the development  would not affect them.

Asked whether he would still remain at Chelsea if his current situation persists, Mikel said everything would depend on what happens between now and January when he would take a decision.