Rangers’ AFCON nerves are jangling as the Nigeria national team decide to sack German manager Gernot Rohr ahead of the January tournament.
Ibrox trio Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey are all being touted to be involved in some capacity with the Super Eagles at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
But now both their places and the proposed date when they’ll be expected to depart Scotland and join up with their new teammates are now up in the air following the decision.
Nigeria sack Gernot Rohr as Rangers trio face nervous wait ahead of AFCON
Rangers stars Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun have been heavily used by Gernot Rohr in previous Nigeria squads, whilst Calvin Bassey received his first call-up under the manager.
Whilst the ex-Leicester City kid is yet to be used by the Nigerian team proper, the 21-year-old’s recent form has given rise to optimism regarding a call-up.
But all three players will now be waiting nervously to see if the man brought in to replace Gernot Rohr – who had been in charge since August 2016 – will call them up for the tournament.
Nigeria technical director Augustine Eguavoen will take interim charge of the side whilst BBC Sport understand the sacking of Gernot Rohr comes after he created a “toxic environment” in the Nigeria camp.
Officially, the Nigerian Football Federation have thanked Gernot Rohr for his contribution to Nigerian football [NFF].
Rangers had been in Nigeria discussions about player release ahead of AFCON
The rescheduled tournament is set to take place in Cameroon between Sunday 9th January 2022 and Sunday 6th of February, with organisers confirming that currently it will go ahead as planned amid concerns over the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
With Rangers set to play Celtic in a crunch Old Firm derby on January 2nd – and FIFA rules explaining countries can expect those called up to squads to report for duty on December 27th – the Gers have been in active contact with Nigeria regarding the late release of players.
This was confirmed by Gernot Rohr, who explained that someone had called him personally from Rangers to discuss the extension.
“We need a good preparation, we need the players at least ten days before but like you know in England they play,” Rohr said to Elegbete TV Sports.
“Somebody called me from Glasgow already they have the derby Glasgow Rangers vs Celtic on the second or third of January if we can let the players play.
“We have a lot of problems to prepare the team but I think we will have most of our players at least ten days before.”
Naturally, this will have some nervous regarding the important Rangers Nigerian trio who are likely to miss at least five Gers games if Nigeria go deep into the AFCON competition.
Losing AFCON trio ahead of Old Firm would represent major Rangers blow
Whilst there has been no official suggestion that Rangers will lose these three players for the match with Celtic, the situation is not without nervousness.
Especially considering just how important all three players in Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey have been to the side this season.
Without defenders Balogun and Bassey – who has impressed in a centre-back role of late – Rangers would be remarkably stretched at centre-back as Fil Helander battles back from surgery.
Rangers Player of the Year frontrunner Joe Aribo – as summed up by that exquisite goal against Hearts – is a vital component of the Ibrox side and his absence would surely be felt.
Let’s hope that all three get the all clear to play for Rangers and that they also go on to make an impact on the international stage at the AFCON tournament.
Speaking of Joe Aribo, read more about how the attacking midfield talent has been compared to basketball legend Michael Jordan.
