Nigeria have ruled out Bayer Leverkusen ace Sidney Sam from the AFCON squad because his nationality switch may not come through by then.

Last week, Sam announced he was willing to play for Nigeria after he featured for Germany at the U21 level.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) spokesman Ademola Olajire said on Yuesday:  "The football house have began moves to have Sam play for Nigeria. The paper works have started after the player confirmed his readiness to play for the country to the general secretary Musa Amadu.

"However, you know he has played for Germany at the U21 level which means the German football authorities would have to concur with the wish of the player and demands of Nigeria in writing to FIFA and this process takes a lot of time.

"With the Nations Cup only a little over a month away, I do not see Sydney making it to the Nations Cup with the Super Eagles."

Sam is widely rated as a valuable addition to the Eagles attack as he is fast, right-sided winger, who has been known to pop up and score crucial goals.