The controversy surrounding Tyronne Ebuehi’s withdrawal from the Nigeria squad for the World Cup 2018 qualifiers against Algeria has taken a different twist.
20 year old Ebuehi, who is also eligible to play for the Netherlands was called up for the first time by Nigeria, but in a rather bizarre twist, the ADO Den Haag full back rejected the call in an interview on the website of his club.
“I see it as a great honor that I am noted in my homeland,” says Ebuehi.
“But at this moment ADO Den Haag requires my full attention. Especially now that I am settled in the team. Therefore, it doesn’t seems to me like the right time to travel to Nigeria for the match. I want to focus completely on the club . but I certainly do not rule out playing for Nigeria in the future, if the next time am called up ” He told the club official website.
After his statement, Owngoalnigeria.com contacted the president of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick, who revealed he has spoken with the father over his son’s withdrawal.
” It’s not true. His agent (Wessel Weezenberg) is behind that statement, it was done without the consent of the player. As a matter of fact his father confidently told me that he will play for Nigeria” He told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” For now, we don’t know why the agent is trying to block him from Nigeria. He earlier denied contact with Nigeria over his services. But we are speaking with his family. We have their word. He will play for Nigeria”.
