Player release row tops Nigerian FA agenda
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Player release row tops Nigerian FA agenda
Player release row tops Nigerian FA agenda
By Eniwoke Ibagere
LAGOS, Jan 9 (Reuters) - A club-versus-country row over the release of players for the African Nations Cup looks likely to dominate a Nigerian Football Association (NFA) board meeting this weekend.
Leading English clubs, including Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers, have been reluctant to release players for the tournament in Tunisia, while Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins risks punishment after pulling out of the event.
"We don't want to get into a row with the overseas clubs but we want our players in time for the tournament," NFA board spokesman Olu Amadasun told Reuters by telephone as the two-day meeting in the eastern town of Owerri got underway on Friday.
Amadasun said: "The FIFA rules are clear. Clubs must release players to national teams 14 days before a major tournament."
The 16-nation tournament runs from January 24-February 14.
But Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu is needed by manager Arsene Wenger who has injuries to fellow forwards Dennis Bergkamp and Sylvain Wiltord. Nigeria skipper Jay-Jay Okocha has been inspirational for Bolton all season and will also be sorely missed.
Nigeria's squad began its preparations in the Portuguese resort of Faro in December. However, the majority of the overseas-based players have been given a deadline of Sunday to join their team mates.
The NFA board will also consider a punishment for Inter Milan's Martins who pulled out of the Nations Cup squad to concentrate on his club career.
Martins, NFA officials said, had assured them of his availability for the tournament before changing his mind.
Amadasun said the case of former England international striker John Fashanu, suspended from the NFA board for failing to attend its meetings, would also be discussed.
By Eniwoke Ibagere
LAGOS, Jan 9 (Reuters) - A club-versus-country row over the release of players for the African Nations Cup looks likely to dominate a Nigerian Football Association (NFA) board meeting this weekend.
Leading English clubs, including Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers, have been reluctant to release players for the tournament in Tunisia, while Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins risks punishment after pulling out of the event.
"We don't want to get into a row with the overseas clubs but we want our players in time for the tournament," NFA board spokesman Olu Amadasun told Reuters by telephone as the two-day meeting in the eastern town of Owerri got underway on Friday.
Amadasun said: "The FIFA rules are clear. Clubs must release players to national teams 14 days before a major tournament."
The 16-nation tournament runs from January 24-February 14.
But Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu is needed by manager Arsene Wenger who has injuries to fellow forwards Dennis Bergkamp and Sylvain Wiltord. Nigeria skipper Jay-Jay Okocha has been inspirational for Bolton all season and will also be sorely missed.
Nigeria's squad began its preparations in the Portuguese resort of Faro in December. However, the majority of the overseas-based players have been given a deadline of Sunday to join their team mates.
The NFA board will also consider a punishment for Inter Milan's Martins who pulled out of the Nations Cup squad to concentrate on his club career.
Martins, NFA officials said, had assured them of his availability for the tournament before changing his mind.
Amadasun said the case of former England international striker John Fashanu, suspended from the NFA board for failing to attend its meetings, would also be discussed.