Odion Ighalo’s Club have explained the reasons behind their decisions not to release for the AFCON 2021.

The Saudi Arabian Professional League side claimed no discussions were held with NFF, after Odion Ighalo’s invitation letter arrived late.

Al-Shabab’s Director of professionalism Majid Al-Marzouki said, NFF sent the letter after the stipulated 15 days required by FIFA.

“We did not prevent the player from joining, but his invitation letter did not reach us within the period specified by Fifa for receiving the players’ call-up letters.

“The Fifa Player Status Regulations stipulates that the local federation must notify the player and his club in writing of his summon 15 days before the start of the tournament, and it is advised to send a copy to the local federation of the club as well, which did not happen, and accordingly the coach told us that the player continues with us and will not join his team.” according to AllNigeriansoccer.

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire has revealed that the NFF will not report Al-Shabab to FIFA for not releasing striker, Odion Ighalo for the AFCON.

According to him, taking that line of action is usually not the best route for player or club.