Russia 2018: Simon Not Fit For World Cup, Rohr says
Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles coach
Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles head coach has disclosed the Injured Simon Moses would not be making the final 23-man squad for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup because he is not fit yet.
Rohr made this during his pre-match press conference before the team’s training session at the Wembley Stadium on Friday.
Head Coach Gernot Rohr had ruled out Moses after the player’s first scan results confirmed he would be out of the tournament.
Moses, however asked for a follow-up scan in the UK, with Rohr heeding to his wish to prove his fitness ahead of the world cup.
Rohr, according to Nigeria Football body official twitter handle said that he had given Moses enough time to find his way into the 23 list team but could not make the is it because he was not fir enough.
“We have all our players in camp. Victor Moses was the last to arrive camp and he has had just one training session with us and will have another today (Friday).
“All the players are ready for the World Cup except for Simon Moses who is out for four weeks,” he said.
Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, the first choice goalkeeper for the team was also dropped from the team due to his fragile health.
Young goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, seems to be the favourite after the team’s last three games against Poland, Serbia and DR Congo but Rohr insisted that the position was still up for grabs.
“Uzoho came in against Argentina and since then he has been showing confidence and making great efforts. However, we have three goalkeepers,” he said.
Rohr also played down the Super Eagles’ chances of becoming the first African country to win the World Cup.
“We are not among the favourites. If you look at the FIFA ranking, you will see there are teams who are better than us.
“It is important for us not to think we can win the World Cup,” Rohr said
The three-time African champions will slog it out with the Three Lions in their second pre-World Cup friendly at Wembley Stadium.
However, Rohr noted that he would name a strong side against Gareth Southgate’s men.
“Tomorrow, we would play a big team like England, it is an important game for us.
“It will be an interesting game for us. In the game against Congo, we didn’t play our best team, but we will change things against England and play our best players.
“The atmosphere is going to be great and we hope to enjoy it and possibly win the game,” he said.
