German Jordan Torunarigha Rejects Nigeria, Gernot Rohr Disappointed

Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has expressed disappointment over Germany youth international Jordan Torunarigha turning down the opportunity to play for the Super Eagles.

Rohr was hoping to convince Torunarigha to play for Nigeria at the forthcoming Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals which will be held between June and July.

Hertha Berlin defender Torunarigha was born in Chemnitz to Nigerian parents and he represented Germany at different youth levels, but he is uncapped at senior international level.

“It's disappointing because he was presented with a great chance to play in the World Cup if only he was interested.

“I've followed his progress, I believe he would have made positive contributions to the team. But we must really respect this young boy's decision now and wish him well,” the German tactician told BBC Sport.

The 20-year-old has ascended from Hertha's youth set-up and advanced into the Hertha Berlin first team in the final months of the 2016/2017 campaign.

Torunarigha’s father, Ojokojo, played for Nigerian professional side Shooting Stars of Ibadan in the late 1980s, before moving to German second tier with Chemnitzer FC in the mid-1990s.

This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago

Greg is a Sports content writer. He has many years of experience in Sports Writing. He was a writer for Opera News and is Editor-in-Chief at GoalBall.