Ridwan Popoola of United Arab Emirates top league side Al Wasl is a huge doubt for the Nigeria U23 AFCON qualifiers games against Dr Congo in November, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
The 19 year old who moved to the UAE side in the summer from Kisvárda of Hungary in the summer, was earlier blocked from representing Nigeria in the 3-3 friendly draw against Russia two weeks ago.
We can exclusively reveal that Chelle isn’t confident of having him around with sources revealing that he is in a similar situation with Hassan Sani of Al Ain. Sani shunned an invitation by Nigeria as well on the orders of his team.
Popoola is facing a similar situation and can only represent Nigeria when he eventually leaves UAE. He is said to be leaning towards playing for them in the nearest future.
Already he has been given a UAE passport, which is the first step towards playing for them. Sani will be eligible to be in goal for UAE in two years time.
Like Popoola, he has also been given a UAE passport largely due to a ban on foreign goalkeepers playing in their league.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
