Ligue 1 club Nantes have confirmed they will not release Nigeria winger Moses Simon for this month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho, Competesports.com reports.

Simon, 24, was included in Nigeria’s squad for the double-header by head coach Gernot Rohr last week.

Rohr will now have to name a replacement for the former KAA Gent of France player following the decision of his French club not not allow him honour the invitation.

The French government has imposed a seven-day quarantine for any person who travels out of Europe and Nantes who, are fighting relegation in Ligue 1 are not willing to lose one of their key stars during a crucial part of the campaign.

“Like several clubs in France, FC Nantes will not release its selected international players for matches outside the European area during the next international break scheduled for the end of March,”reads a statement on the club website.

“In the absence of health guarantees in accordance with the requirements of the French government in force to date, FC Nantes will not be able to release its internationals outside the limits of the European space.

“This decision, based on FIFA circular 1749 of February 5, is justified by the return protocol imposed on travelers who have traveled outside the European Union, who must in particular respect a seven-day isolation.

“The players concerned would also be unable to take part in the match of the 31st day of Ligue 1 Uber Eats, scheduled for Sunday April 4, between FC Nantes and OGC Nice.

Simon scored the winning goal for Nantes in last Sunday’s 2-1 away win against champions Paris Saint-Germain.

By Adeboye Amosu

source:- completesports