AYC: Man City Won't Release Dangerous Duo

English Premier League champions Manchester City have informed the Nigeria Football Federation that they will not release Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidiebere Nwakali for the 2015 African Youth Championship in March in Senegal.

Both players were among nine foreign-based pros called up by the Flying Eagles for the AYC.

The players were given a Thursday deadline to join up with the country’s U20s in their training camp in Kaduna.

But in a mail signed by City scouting and recruitment operations manager, Fergal Harkin, the EPL side said Iheanacho was injured and may not be fit till mid-March, while Nwakali is about to be loaned out to a club in Europe.

“With regards Kelechi Iheanacho, he is currently injured. We believe he will be fit around the middle of March but can keep in contract regarding his recovery,” read Tuesday’s mail to the NFF in part.

“For Chidiebere Nwakali, we are currently in the process of agreeing his loan deal to Europe and he will not be available to meet up with the national team until further notice.

“At this moment in time, we feel it is best for his development that he cements his place in the club side.”

Under FIFA rules, Man City are not obliged to release the players as the competition is an age-grade event.