Manager Gernot Rohr has revealed that John Obi Mikel has not yet reversed his decision to return to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations because of his commitments with Middlesbrough, who are battling for a playoff spot.

The former Bayern Munich defender stressed that he has not shut the door on Mikel as his experience is vital to the relatively young Super Eagles squad.

In the absence of the Chelsea legend since the end of the 2018 World Cup, Alex Iwobi has functioned as a playmaker and the Arsenal star will retain the number ten role in Friday's clash against Seychelles, based on the team's last training session at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Rohr said : ''He has so many games in Middlesbrough to look forward to, they are fighting for the playoff too.

''He told me it is not the moment to return but if Obi Mikel is very fit again and has the motivation, and shows that he is better than the other people we have, the door is open for everybody.

''I am not like Joachim Low who announced officially that three of his players are definitely out of the German national team, I never say that because you never know what can happen, you can have injuries, you can have great performances from the players who are returning from injuries.''

Rohr continued : ''We are watching and will see if he can come back. We also need experience in our team, we have so many young players.

''Again, I think they are younger than the last list so the experience of such a player could be interesting.''

Iwobi is comfortable playing on the left wing for Arsenal but the number 10 is his favorite position on the pitch.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel