2015 AYC: Manchester City stop Iheanacho, Nwakali

Hopes of having the enterprising duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidiebere Nwakali in the Flying Eagles squad for the 2015 African Youth Championship billed for Senegal in March has been dashed.

This follows the announcement on Tuesday by English Premier League champions, Manchester City that they will not be releasing the two players to Nigeria for varying reasons.

In a mail sent to the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Man City through their scouting and recruitment operations manager, Fergal Harkin, stated that Iheanacho is injured. Man City also said they were in advance talks with a loan move for the Nwakali hence his availability for national team duties is not possible at least for now.

“With regards Kelechi Iheanacho, he is currently injured. We believe he will be fit around the middle of March but can keep in contract regarding his recovery,” read Tuesday’s mail in part.

“For Chidiebere Nwakali, we are currently in the process of agreeing his loan deal to Europe and he will not be available to meet up with the national team until further notice.

“At this moment in time, we feel it is best for his development that he cements his place in the club side.”

Iheanacho and Nwakali, were among the nine foreign-based pros called up by the Flying Eagles Coach Manu Garba for the AYC.

They alongside other invitees were given a Thursday, January 15 deadline to join up with the country’s U20s in their training camp in Kaduna.