Nigeria U23 coach Imama Amapakabo has released midfielder Anthony Shimaga and winger Ibrahim Olawoyin for Rangers International’s upcoming continental assignment, www.aclsports.com has learnt.
Both Shimaga and Olawoyin started Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles game against Togo at the Agege Township Stadium on Saturday.
They were subsequently rewarded for their good performance in the 2-0 win with invites to the Under 23 side preparing for next month’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations (U23AFCON).
However, head coach of the team Imama, has released both players for their clubs as they prepare to take on Togolese champions ASC Kara this weekend in their first leg CAF Confederation Cup playoff tie.
The game takes place at Stade de Kegue in Togo this weekend while the second leg will hold in Enugu a week later (November 3). Winner over two legs will advance to the group stage of the Confederation Cup.
Both players are expected to return to the national camp immediately after their club engagement for the business end of preparations for the quadrennial Under 23 championship.
The competition which serves as qualifiers for next summer’s Tokyo Olympics will hold in Egypt starting from November 8, 2019. Nigeria will open their account with an all West African tie with Coted’voire.