Algerian FA Play Down Reports Olympic Star Was Denied A Visa By Nigerian Embassy

The Algerian Football Federation have played down reports in the local and foreign press, including allnigeriasoccer.com, 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.

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.

The Algerian Federation have disputed the reports and thanked the Nigerian embassy for their assistance.

“The leaders of the FAF were surprised to learn that some media have linked the unavailability of Sofiane Bendebka  for the trip to Uyo with a visa problem, ”  the Algeria Federation stated on their official webpage.

“They hold therefore to dismiss these reports and to reiterate their thanks to officials of the Nigerian Embassy.”

Bendebka made his senior debut in an African Cup of Nations qualifier versus Seychelles in June.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : faf.dz