The camp of the Squirrels of Benin Republic has been thrown into disarray as coach Michel Dussuyer struggles to put together a list of team to trade tackle with Nigeria and Sierra Leone for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers next week.
Dassuyer was expected to name his final squad for Nigeria’s tie on Tuesday was postponed following serious uncertainties that more than half of the call-ups may not be available due to travel restrictions caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The likes of Jodel Dossou, Steve Mounie, Sessi d ‘Almeida , Khaled Adénon and other France-based players are reportedly ruled out for the qualifiers as clubs now have the option not to release their players for international duty on health grounds following a mandatory 7-day quarantine imposed by the French government for any person who travels out of Europe.
A reporter with Benin national radio station, ORTB, Auguste Gnansounnou said on Tuesday: “Some clubs have already warned our clubs about travelling down here for the AFCON qualifiers. So, they are not willing to play against Nigeria and Sierra Leone”.
“The clubs have the backing of FIFA not to release players on health grounds and there is nothing the Federation or Dussuyer can do about that.
“The squad is already depleted as there is now a possibility that all the players playing in France will not be available for the games.
“You know more than half of the players in our team are based in France. The coach has also decided to wait until Thursday before releasing the final list.”
“The two days will give him the opportunity to know the players who will be available for the games.”
Dussuyer’s men will host the Super Eagles at the Stade Charles de Gaulle, Porto Novo on March 27 and then face Sierra Leone three days later in Conakry.
