Former Nigeria international, Edema Fuludu has the decision to allow players invited for the CHAN Qualifiers leave their clubs to join the National team camp, is necessary but not ideal.

Fuludu believes this arrangement is the best way to handle the situation, as it ensures that clubs, which bear the financial burden of the players, are not deprived of their key talents during national team duties.

The CHAN Eagles kicked off their training last weekend in preparation for their qualifiers against arch-rivals Ghana.

Under the guidance of coach Augustine Eguavoen, alongside his assistants Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, the team began their sessions at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja.

After the midweek training, the players returned to their respective clubs to participate in last weekend’s fixtures.

Fuludu highlighted the financial strain of this approach but emphasized its necessity.

“If I’m paying players as a club, you cannot take my players from rendering services to me when I need them most, because players invited to the national team invariably means that they are the best I have in my team, and so their services are needed.

“There is an understanding that must be met,” he explained.

“It costs money, but what else can we do? We cannot disrupt the league which is running on a calendar.”

According to Fuludu, postponing league games to accommodate national team preparations would only complicate the league’s schedule and sponsorship deals, making this current arrangement the most practical solution.