U23 AFCON : Istanbul Basaksehir Make Decision Over Release Of Nigeria U23 Skipper To NFF

Published: October 31, 2019

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Dream Team VII skipper Azubuike Okechukwu could represent Nigeria at the upcoming U23 Africa Cup of Nations after the Nigeria Football Federation struck an agreement with Turkish Super Lig club Istanbul Basaksehir.

Istanbul Basaksehir have agreed to release the central midfielder to the Nigerian Federation for the games that will hold 11-19 November, that is for only the fixed dates for international matches this month.

What this means is that Okechukwu won't be available for selection when the Olympic Eagles tackle Ivory Coast (Nov. 9), assuming he is named to the 21-man roster.

Istanbul Basaksehir 's last match before the international break will hold on November 10 against Ankaragucu.

Should Nigeria qualify for the final of the U23 AFCON on November 22, Okechukwu is doubtful to feature in the game as he is expected to have returned to Turkey.

The former Bayelsa United star played a key role as the Dream Team VI won the U23 AFCON in 2015.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel