Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, has been dropped for Abia Warriors defender Adeleke Adekunle by coach Gernot Rohr.
Rohr’s late decision came after Spanish Segunda side Leganes refused to allow Omeruo to link up with the Eagles for their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho.
Having previously given Omeruo the green light to join the Eagles, according to Leganes coach, Asier Garitano during a previous press conference, the club have now decided not to release the former Chelsea defender for international duty.
Recall that fellow Spanish side, Almeria also blocked striker Umar Sadiq from the qualifiers, citing health and safety conditions.
The Nigeria Football Federation announced Omeruo’s replacement on Twitter on Saturday.
“Adeleke Adekunle of @AbiaWarriors replaces @omeruo22,” NFF stated.
The decision by the Spanish club means Omeruo, who has not featured for the Eagles in any of the 2021 AFCON qualifying matches, will play no part in the qualifying rounds.
Meanwhile, he will now be available for selection for Garitano, whose side battle Almería on March 27 and Mallorca on April 1.
