Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr has criticised UK authorities after travel rules ensured that two Rangers stars and several other UK-based players will miss an upcoming World Cup Qualifier.
The Super Eagles are set to take on Liberia at home on Friday and Cape Verde away next Tuesday in an important double-header.
However, Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun, as well as a number of other stars, will only be able to play in the first fixture in Lagos, as Cape Verde is currently on the UK’s red list.
“It’s difficult to understand why England, for example, were allowed exemptions for the Euros, but the UK won’t for these World Cup games,” fumed Rohr [Daily Record]. “They were able to change everything at the Euros when England hosted it, but they can’t do anything here for the World Cup players.”
“It’s extremely important for every country and decisions like this tarnish the competition. We are preparing the team as best as possible, but we will not have some of our best players.
“All our midfielders will not be there. Our central defence also will not be there. So it will not be easy against a very difficult team like Cape Verde.”
The first qualifier against Liberia should be a stroll for a full-strength Super Eagles side given that they (34th) are ranked a whopping 116 places above the West African nation (150th) in the FIFA World Rankings.
Cape Verde (77th) are a tougher opponent, though, and it will be a difficult task to go to Mindelo and get a result with Aribo, Balogun and others absent, so Rohr’s anger is understandable.
It’s a boost of sorts for Rangers, though, as they will get two important players back early ahead of a hectic period following the international break.
In other news, a former Rangers fan favourite has sealed a return to the UK following a successful stint with a Euro top-flight club.
