Head coach of the Nigeria U-23s Samson Siasia has excused Ubong Ekpai famed for scoring the lone goal for Nigeria U-23s in their friendly game against Brazil in Rio from the team training camp in the US.
The former Akwa United forward arrived Israel yesterday and was seen in the company of his agent David Ouziel and some officials of Maccabi Haifa the team he signed for in March.
Ekpai we gathered was excused by coach Samson Siasia in order for him to kickstart his European career with Isreali side Maccabi Haifa who are set to begin pre season training ahead of their campaign in the domestic league and Europa League.
His chances of making the Nigerian football team to the Olympics is however still open as we reliably gathered Siasia was excited for him as he believed the move will make him a better player for the team if he ends up making the team for the Olympics.
*Daniel Martins
