Nigeria’s Under-23 coach Samsons Siasia has cried out that his plans are being frustrated by local clubs refusal to release their players for preparation.
The Dream Team VI will take part in the African under-23 championship in Senegal in November. The championship will also serve as a qualifier for the Rio 2016 Olympic games as the top three teams would fly Africa’s flag in Brazil.
Siasia lamented that only 10 players have reported to camp as that yesterday despite inviting 30 players in total.
A frustrated Siasia complained to reporters last night in Abuja that his programme was being hampered by local clubs who have refused to free their players for national duty apparently because of the crucial stage of the Glo Premier League.
“Our preparations for the African Under-23 Championship are being compromised because of the refusal of clubs to release the players invited to camp. I am not impressed at all because our chances of qualifying for Rio 2016 now look dicey. You can’t expect us to qualify at the expense of other teams that have emphasised on good preparation. Those days are over,” Siasia fumed.
He pleaded with the club sides to release the players in question, promising that he would ensure they are allowed to leave camp to play league fixtures for their clubs during the week.
https://www.today.ng/sport/24530/siasia-laments-clubs-refusal-to-release-players/