Only 12 Super Eagles players have reported to camp for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Championship in Cameroon.
The AFCON starts on January 9, 2022, but Nigeria’s opening fixture at the tournament will take place two days later, against Egypt.
The 33rd AFCON finals will end on 6th February 2022.
On Saturday morning, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s media office disclosed that Olympiacos striker, Henry Onyekuru, had arrived at the camp to swell the number of players in camp to nine.
But in an update shared by the NFF, Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France) and Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus) joined the team on Saturday.
The 12 players in camp now are Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France), Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus), Henry Onyekuru (Olympiacos, Greece), Peter Olayinka (Slavia Praha, Czech Republic), Chidozie Awaziem (Alayanspor, Turkey), Chidera Ejuke(CSKA Moscow, Russia), Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain), Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), John Noble (Enyimba FC) and Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin, Germany).
There are 16 players yet to report to camp.
The Media Officer of the NFF, Mr Ayo Ibidapo, told our correspondent that there is a challenge with the release of players.
While disclosing that there is no deadline for players to arrive, he expressed optimism they will be in camp before the team’s departure to Cameroon.
“There is an understanding between clubs in Europe and CAF [Confederation of Africa Football] to have players released from 3rd of January.
“We should have a full complement of the players before they leave for Cameroon,” Mr Ibidapo added.
The team leaves for Cameroon on the 5th of January, 2022.
“We hope the shortness of training will not affect the team,” he said.
Nigeria’s fixtures
11/01 Nigeria – Egypt
15/01 Nigeria – Sudan
19/01 Guinea-Bissau – Nigeria
•Sourced from Daily Trust.
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