The Algerian Football Federation have played down reports in the local and foreign press, including<b> allnigeriasoccer.com</b>, in which it was claimed that NA Hussein Dey midfielder Sofiane Bendebka did not travel with the Desert Foxes squad to Uyo because he was not granted a visa in time by the Embassy of Nigeria in Algiers.<br /><br />Sofiane Bendebka was handed a late call-up to the Algerian squad following the uncertainty surrounding the availability of Napoli ace Faouzi Ghoulam, who eventually was in the 23-player traveling party to Uyo on Thursday.<br /><br />The Algerian Federation have disputed the reports and thanked the Nigerian embassy for their assistance. <br /><br />&ldquo;The leaders of the FAF were surprised to learn that some media have linked the unavailability of Sofiane Bendebka&nbsp; for the trip to Uyo with a visa problem, &rdquo;&nbsp; the Algeria Federation stated on their official webpage. <br /><br />&ldquo;They hold therefore to dismiss these reports and to reiterate their thanks to officials of the Nigerian Embassy.&rdquo;<br /><br />Bendebka made his senior debut in an African Cup of Nations qualifier versus Seychelles in June.<br /><br />Igho Kingsley <br /><br />Photo Credit : faf.dz<br />