The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have been left scrambling for a Plan B as Nigerian Premier League stars are set to miss Super Eagles' upcoming 2020 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The three-time African champions will host Liberia on
September 3 before travelling to Cape Verde four days later.
This is as a result of the Premier League’s decision not to
release players for international matches in ‘red list’ countries-where they
would have to quarantine on their return to the United Kingdom because of Covid
restrictions.
Rohr cannot invite the likes of Wlifred Ndidi, Kelechi
Iheanacho, William Troost-Ekong, Oghenekaro Etebo and Emmanuel Dennis for both
games due to the Premier League’s decision.
Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka and Everton’s Alex Iwobi
can’t also travel for the qualifiers.
“The clubs’ decision, which is strongly supported by the
Premier League, will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs
who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries in the September international
window,”reads the statement by the Premier League.
“This follows Fifa’s current position not to extend its
temporary release exception for players required to quarantine on their return
from international duty.
“Extensive discussions have taken place with both The FA and
the Government to find a solution, but due to ongoing public health concerns
relating to incoming travellers from red-list countries, no exemption has been
granted.”
“If required to quarantine on return from red list
countries, not only would players’ welfare and fitness be significantly
impacted, but they would also be unavailable to prepare for and play in two
Premier League match rounds, a Uefa club competition matchday and the third
round of the EFL Cup,” it continued.
“This period takes into consideration 10 days of hotel
quarantine on return to England but does not include any additional time that
would be required for players to regain match fitness.”
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