John Obi Mikel turned down a chance to return to the Nigeria team to focus on Middlesbrough’s play-off push.
The impressive anchorman has spent the international break recharging his Boro batteries ready for Championship action to resume.
He is fully focused on Saturday’s clash with Norwich and the promotion run-in beyond that.
And that is why he declined an approach to play in last week’s Super Eagles games against Seychelles and Egypt.
Former Chelsea man Mikel, 31, is the superstar of Nigerian football but has not played for the national team since last summer’s World Cup in Russia.
German coach Gernot Rohr insists that multi-medalled Mikel is still very much part of his plans but revealed the midfielder had opted for club over country in the latest round of fixtures.
Rohr said: “He has so many games in Middlesbrough to look forward to, they are fighting for the play-offs too.
John Obi Mikel in action for Nigeria at the World Cup finals in Russia (Image: Getty Images)
“He told me it is not the moment to return but if Obi Mikel is very fit again and has the motivation, then the door is open.
“I am not like Joachim Low who announced that three of his players are definitely out of the German national team, I never say that because you never know what can happen.
“We are watching and will see if he can come back. We also need experience in our team, we have so many young players.”
Silky Mikel plays in the No.10 role for Nigeria. Arsenal man Alex Iwobi took up that mantle for the 3-1 African Cup of Nations qualifier win over minnows Seychelles and a narrow 1-0 friendly victory over Egypt.
But the experienced German boss will be monitoring Mikel during the Championship climax and hopes to persuade him back into the fold for the ACN finals in Egypt in June and July.
Rohr said he hopes Mikel will be fit and will feature – but says he must justify his place.
“We need good players,” he said. “We need experience, we need Mikel in good fitness so he can bring something to the team.
“We already have good players, it is a competition, nobody has his starting place guaranteed even Mikel has to fight.
“Perhaps he can come and not start the game also, you know this. All is possible, the best one will play.
“His experience again is very important and to be respected if you play international tournaments or very important games.”
Nigeria schemer John Obi Mikel tussles with Harry Kane (Image: Getty Images)
If Mikel is still a Boro player beyond May and opts for the Super Eagles that could eat into pre-season preparations.
Three-times winners Nigeria are among the continental big boys and will have hopes of reaching the final on July 19 – when Boro friendlies will be well under way.
Britt Assombalonga could also feature for the Democratic Republic of Congo while Rudy Gestede may be involved for Benin – although both sides may not be expected to reach the knockout phase.
Also scheduled for summer action is Dael Fry. He is in the England set-up who have already qualified for the Under-21 European Championship in San Marino and Italy, due to finish on 30 June.
