Vincent Enyeama has pulled out of Nigeria 23-man squad, while Schalke have refused to release Chinedu Obasi, both for this month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
African champions Nigeria take on Congo on 6 September in Calabar before playing South Africa in Cape Town four days later.
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Enyeama, has withdrawn for family reasons. The Lille Metropole of France goalkeeper, who was expected to captain the side in the absence of the retired Joseph Yobo, says he will be available for future call-ups.
“He (Enyeama) is a big player for us but when someone is dealing with a family issue, it’s very sensitive consequently he will be unavailable for these games”, Super Eagles temporary coach Keshi told BBC Sports.
Schalke prevents Obasi from joining camp
German club Schalke have hindered striker Obasi from joining up with the Eagles ahead of the Afcon qualifier.
National team officials are understood to have sent out invites to players three weeks ahead of the group stage qualifier, however; it appears the club are prepared to refuse Obasi to honour Nigeria call on Fifa free day.
According to the BBC Sport, Schalke blamed the issue on Obasi’s passport being held at an embassy while a visa application is processed ahead of their Champions League matches.
Nigeria are prepared to report the Bundesliga club to world football’s governing body Fifa, as their actions impinges its statutes on player release for internationals.
Schalke play Chelsea in the Champions League on September 17, four days after their league game against Borussia Monchengladbach.
Nigeria will also play Sudan in Group A. The group winners and runners-up advance to the 2015 Afcon finals billed for Morocco from January 17 to February 8.
