See why France-based Super Eagles stars may miss Benin Rep, Lesotho games
The Super Eagles may be without the services of Samuel Kalu and Moses Simon of Bordeaux and Nantes respectively for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho as French clubs are reluctant to release foreign players for International duties.
Due to the French government regulations, anyone entering the country from outside Europe must self-isolate for 7days on arrival and present a negative Covid-19 test at the end of that period.
As a result of this, the possibility of Simon and Kalu joining the team is doubtful.
Moreover, Nantes FC is currently battling for survival in the Ligue 1 and it will consider this a wrong time to lose one of their best players to isolation. Bordeaux FC also currently sit 8points from relegation zone and will need the service of their best legs to stay up.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino earlier this month called for a “fair and just” solution to the issue.
“It’s a complicated matter, which involves the federations, the government and FIFA at the same time, in the search for a fair and just agreement for everyone,” said Pochettino.
“We have to find the best solution so the competitions remain as fair as possible, and so the players receive equal treatment regardless of the country where they play,”
“During this pandemic period, it’s a decisive element that is going to have an impact on results. It’s also an important international window, with key qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup.” He concluded
Nigeria will face the Squirrels of Benin Republic in Porto Novo on March 27 and Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos five days later.
Via OJB Sports
