Dream Team VII Strikers Awoniyi, Odey Say Availability For U23 AFCON Out Of Their Hands

Published: September 10, 2019

Nigeria have a very big history when it comes to the football event of the Olympic Games having won gold, silver and bronze in previous games but could be without some of their key players as they attempt to qualify for the 2020 edition in Tokyo, Japan.

Liverpool loanee Taiwo Awoniyi and Racing Genk striker Stephen Odey did not confirm their availability for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations which takes place in Egypt 8–22 November 2019.

European clubs are not obliged to release their players to the Nigeria Football Federation as the U23 AFCON is not on the FIFA calendar for international matches.

''It depends on my club because I believe the league will still be on by then, ''Awoniyi told reporters post-match after the 5-0 hammering of Sudan on Tuesday evening in Asaba.

''Hopefully if I have a good discussion with them and if they allow me to go because it's not on the FIFA window but we have to wait till then and see what happens at the end of the day.''

Odey added : ''I will be in my team then but I wish them the best of luck in Egypt because the league will still be on by then.

''For now I cannot tell if I will be available but we just wait and see how it goes. If I make the team or not I just wish them the best of luck.''

The U23 AFCON will determine the three teams that will represent Africa at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel