AIK have officially confirmed that teenage sensation Zadok Yohanna will not join the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in London.
The Swedish club announced on Wednesday that the highly rated winger has been withdrawn from Nigeria’s squad because he is still recovering from injury and remains an important part of AIK’s plans during the ongoing season.
Zadok had been widely expected to make his maiden appearance for the Super Eagles after receiving his first senior invitation from Nigeria coach Eric Chelle for the tournament scheduled to run from May 26 to 30.
However, after days of uncertainty surrounding his availability, AIK have now confirmed that the 18-year-old will stay in Sweden.
In an official statement published on the club’s website, AIK explained that the player is currently in the final stages of rehabilitation after recently suffering an injury.
“AIK Football is proud of Zadok Yohanna who has been selected for the Nigerian national team for their participation in the Unity Cup in London.
“However, Zadok is in an important final stage of his rehabilitation, and the club has therefore decided not to release him on national team duty this time.”
READMORE: Bittersweet Super Eagles call-ups: Why Nigeria’s Unity Cup debutants may not officially become internationals
The club also admitted that sporting considerations influenced the decision, describing the Nigerian youngster as a key player for the team.
“The decision not to let him travel to London is based partly on the fact that he is in rehabilitation, but also on sporting reasons, as Zadok is an important player for AIK Football.”
Despite blocking his release, AIK praised the teenager’s rapid rise and expressed confidence that he would represent Nigeria in the future.
“We look forward to seeing Zadok represent the Nigerian national team in the future.”
The development brings an end to days of speculation after conflicting reports emerged regarding whether the Nigeria Football Federation had formally contacted the Swedish club.
AIK official Miika Takkula had earlier stated that the club retained the right to refuse the player’s release because the Unity Cup falls outside FIFA’s official international calendar.
That situation meant clubs were not obligated to release players for the tournament, unlike official FIFA international fixtures.
Zadok’s absence will come as a disappointment for many Nigerian supporters who had hoped to see one of Europe’s fastest-rising Nigerian teenagers make his debut in Super Eagles colours.
The winger has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough campaign in Sweden, registering two goals and three assists in seven Allsvenskan appearances before suffering a hamstring injury during AIK’s defeat to Djurgården.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Chelle had identified the Unity Cup as an opportunity to test new talents, fringe internationals and standout Nigeria Premier Football League players ahead of Nigeria’s high profile June friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
Nigeria will face Zimbabwe in the semi-final of the Unity Cup at The Valley in London, with Jamaica and India contesting the other semi-final fixture.
