AFCON 2021: NFF yet to send invitations to Super Eagles stars with just two weeks to go

The biennial competition kicks off in exactly 14 days, but the three-time African champions are still yet to name their official squad 

Nigeria’s plans for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations are currently in jeopardy after Soccernet gathered that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had not sent an invitation to the players expected to lead the team’s charge.

Soccernet gathered from a close source to one of the players expected to be in the team that no player or their clubs have received an official invitation from the NFF.

This leaves the team in an unwanted situation as FIFA rules and regulations state that national teams should have informed clubs two weeks before the start of an international tournament over players release.

And with just two weeks to go before the start of the competition in Cameroon, the Super Eagles have found themselves at crossroads.

Most of the nations that will be competing in the tournament have already named their final squad, including defending champions Algeria, hosts Cameroon, Morocco and Senegal.

Soccernet tried to reach Eguavoen to ask why the players are yet to receive their official invitation, but calls to his number were not picked.

Eguavoen had told Soccernet in a previous interview that the camp would open after Christmas. But with no official list out yet and the confusion surrounding the coaching situation, it is unlikely that the camp opens on December 27.

Eguavoen was appointed as the interim boss after Gernot Rohr was sacked, and it was expected he would lead the team to Cameroon.

However, NFF president Amaju Pinnick revealed in a meeting with Sports Editors on Wednesday that the organisation hopes to appoint a foreign coach next week.

The AFCON kicks off on January 9, with the Super Eagles playing their first match two days later against the Pharaohs of Egypt.