NIGERIA’S build-up to the African Nations Cup finals next month has been hit by overseas clubs refusing to release key players.
Co-hosts Nigeria and defending champions Egypt are among the countries battling against time to prepare for the 16-team event starting on January 22.
Nigerian coach Jo Bonfrere, who returned to the job only a month ago, has been unable to gather all his leading players in Malaga, Spain, for a planned training camp, leading to an official complaint to FIFA.
Yusuf Tijani, secretary-general of the Nigerian Football Association, said an appeal had been lodged with FIFA to obtain the release of African Footballer of the Year Nwankwo Kanu from English club Arsenal, Austin Okocha from Paris St Germain and Taribo West from AC Milan, as well as Celestine Babayaro from England’s Chelsea.