I never approached Bournemouth's Billing, Eagles coach Rohr insists

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has declared that he never approached Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing about playing for Nigeria.

Tribal Football reports that Rohr says it was Billing's camp which made the first move - despite claims to the contrary.

The German tactician recently signed a new contract which will see him remain as the Eagles' coach till 2022 after he agreed to a pay cut in the local currency and reside in the country.

"Billing's agent called me and said he was interested in coming to Nigeria because he doesn't play as much for Denmark," Rohr told ESPN.

"So he wanted me to call Billing. I said I didn't have his number so he gave it to me. When I called, Billing asked some questions about the Nigerian team.

"And he said, 'I'm very, very interested in working with you, but give me some time'."

However, Rohr feels that he has since figured out the Billing camp.

"I think the agent used the interest to make him more important or give him more a chance to play for Denmark."

The 66-year-old has faced criticism for overlooking players based in Nigeria for those in Europe.

His employers have ordered him to now pick players from the domestic league, but Rohr has insisted only the best will make his squad.

“I pick the best players and I don’t do it alone,” he said.

“We have to take the best players no matter where they are coming from.

“We have very good young players, so it’s difficult for the local players to break into the team.”