Afcon 2023: Nigeria sweat over European clubs delay to release players for final camp

By Saheed Afolabi

The Nigeria Football Federation are racing against time in the bid to secure the releases of players from their European clubs in the final squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

Jose Peseiro named his final 25-man list on Friday and the West Africans are scheduled to resume final camping preparations, beginning from January 2, in Saudi Arabia, where they will play two friendly matches.

In Italy, AC Milan are in talks with the NFF over the late release of tricky winger, Samuel Chukwueze at a later date in January when camp have been fixed to open on January one on Abu Dhabi.

The Rossoneri have already concluded plans to release Chukwueze after their cup game tie against Cagliari on January second which means the Super Eagles winger will arrive camp after his teammates have begun AFCON preparations.

The former Villarreal star is expected to make Nigeria final AFCON squad with his recent form for his clubside.

Eslewhere, Omonia Nicosia have also indicated interest to delay goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho from joining the Super Eagles camp before January 1.

The Cypriot side have a game with AEL on January 2 as they plan to release the Eagles goalkeeper to join the national team after the due date of camping.

Nigeria head coach, Jose Peseiro has called up a 53 man squad for the camping in Abu Dhabi before the final 25 player will be released which CAF have set January 3 for the deadline to receive the final list squad from all AFCON teams.