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Rangers stars Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun’s frustration has ramped up as they remain unable to turn out for Nigeria in their 2022 World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde tonight.
Also unable to pull on a Super Eagles kit are English Premier League stars Alex Iwobi of Everton, Leicester City duo Kelechi Iheanahco and Wilfred Ndidi, as well as Watford’s Oghenekaro Etebo and William Troost-Ekong.
Troost-Ekong, his country’s vice-captain, was particularly vocal about the 10-day quarantine rules that mean player would miss matches for their clubs if they were to travel to red-listed Cape Verde.
The 28-year-old centre-half feels compatriots like Rangers men Aribo and Balogun have been left with no choice but to “neglect” their country.
“We want to be part of the team and I feel like we are neglecting the team a bit by not travelling with them to Cape Verde,” Troost-Ekong told BBC Sport Africa.
“It’s a difficult one because obviously it’s a rule that has been set by the UK Government.
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“But it’s not necessarily fair, because the situation in different countries like Italy or Spain or other leagues that some of the boys are coming from, is probably similar but they are then allowed to travel and play.
“It’s going to be a disadvantage for us because it’s good to have all your best players. I feel like some of the players that will be missing out would definitely improve the squad by being there.”
However, Gers defender Balogun remains confident a makeshift Nigerian side can still pick up a positive result without their Scottish Premiership and English lynchpins.
The Light Blues favourite said: “We have to deal with things the way they are.
“It is what it is and a shame but this is life now. I remain confident that the lads who are going to play will get the job done.”
The Covid furore has been set against a backdrop of disagreements between players and the Nigerian FA.
Balogun has been particularly vocal about unpaid bonuses that have left Gernot Rohr’s squad furious.
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