AFCON 2021: Al Shabab, Ighalo’s club blames NFF for his absence at the tournament
Ighalo’s club, Al Shabab, says NFF is to blame for Ighalo’s absence in AFCON 2021 and not them. Whether this is an attempt to save face or the NFF needs to be professional in their dealings with clubs, Al Shabab is not backing down on their decision.
NFF’s statement contradicts the statement from the Saudi Arabia outfit. NFF, in their statement earlier this week concerning Ighalo’s absence, blames the club. However, the club says put the blame on NFF for Odion Ighalo’s absence in the 33rd Africa cup of nations. They said the release letter for the former Manchester United was sent late.
Al Shabab responded to the claims that they stop the 2019 golden boot winner from teaming up with other players through the director of professionalism, Majid Al-Marzouki. He said the NFF is to be blamed and not the club, for sending his release letter late.
Recall that Watford also said the same thing concerning Dennis, who was also unable to make the biennial Africa showpiece due to his club’s refusal to release him. According to Watford, NFF sent the letter late for the player release.
According to FIFA rules, the National football team must send a notification letter for the player release to the club in writing 15 days before the tournament starts.
It is also advisable to send a letter to the local federation of the club as well. According to Al Shabab, NFF did not do this and that means the player can stay with them.
Al-Marzouki, the Al Shabab’s director of professionalism also refuted the claims that were negotiations between the club and NFF for the release of the player.
According to him, the matter was long settled, and the player has agreed to that decision, and he will not travel.
If this news is anything to go by, then NFF needs to look inward and not outward. NFF needs to stop blaming these clubs and act professionally in their dealings.
Asides from Ighalo, Osimhen, Dennis, won’t be making AFCON 2021. This may affect the team’s playing style in Afcon according to the Nigeria interim coach, Eguavoen. He said in a press conference that he may play with a false nine instead of playing with a striker.
AFCON 2021 starts on Sunday, January 9, but Nigeria will not play their first game in the tournament until Tuesday.
