Former Chelsea star Celestine Babayaro says coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr, should not be blamed over the controversy that has enveloped Tyrone Ebuehi’s withdrawal from Nigeria’s squad for the tie against Algeria.
Dutch Nigerian Ebuehi was invited by manager Rohr for the Super Eagles World Cup 2018 tie against Algeria, but turned down the invitation to focus on improving his form for ADO Den Haag.
His rejection has brought about a whole lot of tongue lashing from soccer loving Nigerians, most blaming the NFF and Rohr for going ahead to include the 20 year old in the list without really having his consent.
However Celestine Babayaro has absolved the manager of any blame,as he has suffered same disappointment in the past, when he tried convincing former Chelsea teen prospect Carlton Cole to play for Nigeria ahead of England at senior level.
” It’s not entirely the manager’s fault. I know so because I suffered same with Carlton Cole years ago. We had an agreement that he was going to play for Nigeria. His parents gave their consent but just like Ebuehi, when he was invited, he turned it down.”
” I was shocked and it made me look very stupid in the eyes of those I told he has agreed to play for Nigeria. This things happen. So we shouldn’t blame Rohr or anybody”.
credit: owngoalnigeria