Gernot Rohr played the true father figure in the Super Eagles when he announced that Kelechi Iheanacho and Semi Ajayi will not be on the final squad to the AFCON in Egypt.
However, the Super Eagles coach assured the axed players they remain very much a part of the team.
A source close to the team told SCORENigeria how Rohr handled the tricky decision to drop the two players from the party to Egypt.
Rohr was quoted as saying, “I can’t take every one of you to the AFCON.
“All of you have shown good character, good mentality throughout this week, but we just must drop two players.
“It’s so unfortunate that the two of you will not be going with us.
“I know it’s a difficult moment for you now, but you’re still part of this team.
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“Enjoy your break.
“Once more you have to accept our decision.”
Both Iheanacho and Ajayi were conspicuously missing during the Eagles recovery training Sunday morning at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
The Super Eagles final 23-man squad for the AFCON will depart for Egypt on a chartered flight later today along with the Warriors of Zimbabwe after both teams played out a scoreless draw Saturday night in an AFCON warm-up.
