Left full back Juwon Oshaniwa has set his sights on playing in Europe next season.

After topping the Israeli championship in the first few rounds, Ashdod have lost two of their last three games in the championship. And their ambitions of playing continental football have suffered a temporary setback, as they trail log leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv by 5 points.

''The club's target is to play continental football next season. So we must finish in the first three positions on the table at the end of the season or qualify as State Cup champions.

''Ashdod will do well without me if I am selected for the Nations Cup, we have capable replacements,'' says Oshaniwa to allnigeriasoccer.com.

If the former Sharks defender is picked by coach Stephen Keshi for the African Nations Cup, he could miss at least five games against Maccabi Netanya, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Ironi Kiryat, Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Hapoel Haifa.