COVID-19: Like EPL, Serie A says it won’t release Nigerian stars for World Cup qualifiers

Super Eagles will have to play next month’s World Cup qualification games against Liberia and Cape Verde without any of its Serie A stars.

Following the footsteps of the English Premier League (EPL) and La Liga, Serie A broke the news in a statement on Wednesday.

The Italian football league said that decision was reached after the clubs in the league unanimously agreed not to release players for international matches in countries that will require the mandated 10-day quarantine period.

The statement argued that the mandated period of quarantine of returnee players put clubs at a competitive disadvantage against teams whose players won’t go through that process.

Nigeria is included in “list E” of Italy’s COVID-19 restriction category, which means a quarantine period is necessary.

“Unlike FIFA’s decision to not extend exceptions for call-ups to countries where quarantine upon re-entry is mandatory, we find these would create a competitive disparity between teams who allow their players to travel to these countries,” the statement read.

Consequently, the Super Eagles might be without Victor Osimhen, Simy Nwankwo, Tyronne Ebuehi, among others, for the games against Liberia and Cape Verde.

TheCable had earlier reported the resolution of EPL not to grant players permission to go to countries listed on the UK’s COVID-19 “red list”.

This means Nigeria will also be without Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost Ekong, Alex Iwobi, among others for the qualifying games.

Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, has appealed to the leagues to ensure the release of international players for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“Together, we have shown solidarity and unity in the fight against COVID-19. Now, I am urging everyone to ensure the release of international players for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers,” he had said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Super Eagles are billed to begin the postponed World Cup qualification campaign on September 3 when they host Liberia before flying to Cape Verde for the second game of the group four days later.