Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has confirmed the unavailability of captain John Mikel Obi for next month's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

 Mikel Obi played all three group matches of Nigeria at this year's FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the Eagles failed to make it to the knockout stages of the competition.

The 31 years old recently returned from injury and has asked to remain in China with Tianjin TEDA as he continues to walk his way back to fitness.

"We spoke together. He is just coming back from injury and he needs to push his club commitments to get back in shape. After injury he needs time to get fit again," Rohr tells KweséESPN

In the meantime, Rohr will on Friday, August 24, name his squad for the September 7 clash against Seychelles as the Nigerian team looks to redeem their image.

Nigeria lost to South Africa's Banfana Banfana 2-0 in their opening game of the continental qualifying programme last year in Uyo.