Gernot Rohr owes the country explanations over the continued absence of Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi from the team as the 31-year-old was once again overlooked for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa next month.

Whilst the player himself has offered some insight into his absence, listing his fitness struggles as the major hindrance to his Eagles return, Lawal told Brila.net it was imperative for the Coach to take a decision on his skipper.

In the past, Rohr had put forward reasons for leaving out Mikel from his team in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and they corroborate player’s explanation: “I’m still not ready to come back yet. Still have some physical and fitness issues”, per Ayo Ibidapo [aoifootball.com].

Nigeria have won four of the five AFCON qualifying matches without Mikel Obi and the team is on the verge of sealing qualification if they pick all three points against South Africa in Johannesburg on November 17.

Three days later the team will then proceed to play an international friendly match against the Cranes of Uganda.