Two prominent members of the Olympic Eagles, David Okereke and Emmanuel Dennis will not be available for the 2019 Africa Under 23 Cup of Nations holding in Egypt after Belgian club, Club Brugge refused to release them for the competition.
A source from Belgium told to SportingLife.ng that both players were devastated by the news when they went to meet the Eggheads of the team and were told in clear terms that they won’t be granted permission to go.
Okereke and Dennis were pivotal to the Olympic Eagles’ qualification for the final round of the qualifiers.
Dennis was all over the Libyan Under-23 in both legs in Tunis and Asaba while Okereke who came in as a late substitute added gloss to the result with the vital fourth goal.
SportingLife.ng was informed that both players have told Imama Amapakabor the head coach of the Under-23 team about their challenge even when they are determined to go if not for the embargo on them from their Belgian club.
The Africa Under-23 AFCON slated for Egypt from November 8 to 22 is not in FIFA calendar and so clubs in Europe and elsewhere are not under obligation to release their players for it.
Club Brugge have three key matches in the next seven days in the Belgian League and in the UEFA Champions League where they need a response after their humiliating home defeat to Paris Saint Germain, PSG.
They will face Zulte Waregem today and Kortrijk on Saturday in the continuation of the Belgian League games where they are currently on top of the table with 27 points from 11 games.
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They will go for a redemption against PSG in Paris on Wednesday next week to try and avoid a repeat of the home thrashing again at their hosts’ fortress.