World Cup 2022 Qualifying: Kalu 'asked not to be selected, wants to concentrate on club' - Rohr explains not picking winger

Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr has told it all on why he left out winger Samuel Kalu from his squad for this month's 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde.

Nigeria Head Coach Gernot Rohr. Photo: Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Since making his debut for Nigeria in 2018 against Equatorial Guinea, Kalu has remained constant for the Super Eagles.

Rohr said the 24-year old pro winger asked for the permission to be out of the squad that will slug it out with Liberia and Cape Verde. Kalu said he wants to 'concentrate on his club'.

Rohr told France Bleu Gironde: “I spoke with him (Kalu) and he asked not to be selected.

“He made a very good argument about wanting to concentrate on the club – he told me that the time had come for him to give his all, to fight to regain his place in the Girondin’s squad. I found his speech to be very positive.

“We have a lot of wingers in our squad, that is true. The competition is fierce, but I think what matters now is for him to have a starting place at Girondins. He has the means, but he has to be in top physical condition.”