Rohr: Tough to convince Zirkzee to play for Nigeria

Bayern's Joshua Zirkzee

Monday Jun 01, 2020. 09:00

Nigeria national team manager Gernot Rohr has revealed his admiration for Bayern Munich’s young striker Joshua Zirkzee, but says it will be difficult to convince the player to represent the West African country.

The 19-year-old, who is of Nigerian heritage, was born in Schiedam in the Netherlands and has played for the ‘Oranje’ juniors teams from U-15 to U-19 level. He was selected for Holland’s provisional squad for U-21 European Championship qualifiers in March – though the fixtures were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Rohr personally scouted Zirkzee in the player’s full Bundesliga debut against Hoffenheim three months ago, and has labelled the Bayern Munich number 35 a “fantastic talent”.

Speaking on the chances of more foreign-based players coming into the Super Eagles squad, Rohr told Colin Udoh in an Instagram conversation: “There is also Zirkzee of Bayern Munich, he’s a fantastic talent also but he’s playing already for Holland and it’s not easy to have them.

“They must give us the sign to come, we are here and we show them there is hope for them and if they want to play in the World Cup and AFCON with us they are welcome but they must decide.”

Zirkzee has scored three goals in seven Bundesliga appearances in 2019-20.