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So, what really happened between @mikel_john_obi and @NGSuperEagles Gernot Rohr during the AFCON? How good was their relationship? And how did it affect the team? I’m about to explain things, so get ready for this thread... 
After @mikel_john_obi’s top-grade performance with @Boro in the championship, it was thought that he would exhibit the same form during the #AFCON2019. But despite engaging a personal trainer after the season, Mikel’s physical conditioning dropped...
This was quite evident in Asaba, during the one-week I spent with the @NGSuperEagles, before they left for Egypt. But he was always going to be a part of the squad because Gernot sees him as integral to it, even when he’s not 100% fit.
The drop in @mikel_john_obi’s physical conditioning - as seen from the group #AFCON2019 games he played - forced Rohr and the staff to take the decision that he wouldn’t have more than a bit-part role during the tournament.
And @mikel_john_obi didn’t help himself when he complained about @alexiwobi in Egypt. He felt the @Everton player was cramping his playing space and style, and wanted him dropped. That was something Rohr was never going to accept, which made his selection duties much easier.
With this in mind, @mikel_john_obi was slightly unsettled and when the issues of unpaid players bonuses came up, its easy to know where his mind was - even if justifiably so. The management of his mood was a tournament issue for the technical staff.
But that said, Gernot has nothing but praise for @mikel_john_obi: “He served the @NGSuperEagles very well, for many years. It was very important that he finished his career with @Nigeria in a good way. I have nothing for respect for him and how we worked together.”
Rohr: “Yes, there were some difficult moments with @mikel_john_obi during the tournament. But it’s normal for players and coaches to have these things. That’s why I’m the manager. I have to manage,” he laughs.
