Benin Republic’s FA Takes Action Over Club’s Player Release Dispute

PORTO-NOVO, Benin Republic — The national football team of Benin Republic is facing a challenge as Turkish club Goztepe has refused to release midfielder Junior Olaitan for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Coach Gernot Rohr announced that the Benin Football Federation has reported Goztepe to FIFA due to this decision.

Olaitan, who has an undisclosed injury, will miss key matches against Rwanda and Lesotho. The club’s refusal is against FIFA regulations, which mandate that clubs must release players for international duty, even if they are injured.

Rohr emphasized the impact of the club’s decision on the team, stating, “He is not with us because his club prevented him from joining the national team. We have therefore sent a letter to FIFA to denounce this situation. Even an injured player must report to his national team’s training camp.”

Currently, Benin Republic holds the top position in Group C of the African qualifying series, benefitting from a FIFA ruling that deducted three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.

In a different context, coach Diego Placente of Argentina has recognized the skills of Nigeria’s U20 team ahead of their knockout match in the FIFA U20 World Cup. The match will take place at Julio Martinez Pradanos National Stadium, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals. Argentina, topping Group D, faces Nigeria, who qualified as the second-best third-placed team.

Placente pointed out that Nigeria poses a significant threat on counterattacks. “Playing the same way, knowing that they are very dangerous on the counterattack,” he stated in anticipation of the clash. The Flying Eagles had previously eliminated Argentina from the tournament.

Meanwhile, in the Super Eagles camp, forward Olakunle Olusegun has not yet received his visa to enter South Africa for their match against Lesotho this Friday. This may lead to Nigeria playing without him, as he is one of the 23 players invited for the crucial encounter. Coach Eric Chelle is already managing the absence of defender Felix Agu, who has withdrawn due to a hamstring injury.

The Super Eagles face Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane and will play against Benin Republic next week at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.