A former international, Etim Esin has charged Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr to forget about the ‘big boys’ who are no longer willing to play for the senior national team.
It is an open secret that the Franco-German coach is making desperate efforts to get the likes of John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses to play for the Super Eagles at the 2019 AFCON.
Although immediately after the World Cup in Russia, Victor Moses announced his retirement from international football, Mikel is yet to officially announce his retirement but the Chelsea legend has not played a single match for the national team since after the 2018 World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Trust on Sunday, the AA Gent and Lokeren of Belgium star said the future of the Super Eagles is now with youngsters like Samuel Chukwueze of Villarreal in Spain and Victor Osimhen of Charleroi in the Belgian league.
Esin reiterated that if opportunity is given to youngsters who are hungry for fame, they will be of great value to the Super Eagles in Egypt.
He therefore said instead of worrying about unwilling players, Rohr should give young players a chance and also build his team around Ahmed Musa who he maintained is always willing to serve his fatherland.
“I want to advise Gernot Rohr to leave alone some of the ‘big boys’ who have seen it all. For such players, after featuring at the World Cup, the hunger is gone.
“Even if you bring back Mikel Obi or Victor Moses, they may not give you their best. Maybe they will come and play ‘big man’ football for you.
“Instead of expending so much energy and time pleading with these players, I want the coach to give a chance to the young boys who are hungry to make a name.
“Look at young lads like Samuel Chukuweze and Victor Osimhen, they will be very happy to feature in the AFCON. They are young and fast and will show more commitment,” he said.
Esin, a member of Chile ‘87 Flying Eagles also said if they are to excel at the 2019 AFCON, the Super Eagles must not underrate any opponent.
