Nigerian coach
Gernot Rohr has reiterated that he wants Bayern Munich prodigy Joshua Zirkzee
to play for the Super Eagles, but has admitted that it will not be easy for the
attacker to change his Dutch international affiliation to Nigeria.
Zirkzee was born in Schiedam nineteen years ago
and can represent Nigeria through his mother. However, he is temporarily linked
to the Netherlands after playing for the European giants at U17 level.
Rohr had already watched the former Feyenoord
youth teamer closely in February when he scored a goal in his Bundesliga debut
against Hoffenheim.
Aside from Zirkzee, the Nigerian Football
Association hopes to retain double-qualified central defenders Kevin Akpoguma,
Felix Uduokhai and Jordan Torunarigha, all of whom have Bundesliga experience
before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In an interview with German regional newspaper
Mannheimer Morgen as quoted by Sports Central, Rohr was asked if Zirkzee would
be a candidate for the Super Eagles, and he replied, "A preferred
candidate, but it is not that easy. We cannot and will not poach him, that must
come from the player himself. "There are a few others in the Bundesliga that apply:
Kevin Akpoguma in Hoffenheim, Jordan Torunarigha at Hertha BSC and Felix
Uduokhai in Augsburg. But we can’t get them so easily.
As a former defender for FC Bayern Munich, Rohr was pleased that his good friend Hansi Flick won the Bundesliga title for the 2019-2020 season with Bayern.
Rohr added: "It is admirable what he did and how he steered the cart in the right direction. "His playing style is very pragmatic, he has strengthened the defense, rehabilitated Müller and gives the boys chances. "I feel very close to him and congratulated him on the championship by SMS.
Zirkzee has made nine Bundesliga appearances with four goals this season and made his debut for the German champions in the DFB Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
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