Andy Okpe: Ghana forced my change because they are afraid of me
Super Eagles team B striker Andy Okpe has attributed Ghana’s protest claims against his participation in Sunday’s CHAN Qualifiers to fear.
The Remo Stars forward was named in the starting XI for the first leg clash but was replaced after the pre match warm up .
In a post on his Facebook page, Okpe narrated what transpired at the Cape Coast Stadium before kickoff of the game which eventually ended 2-0 in favour of Ghana.
Okpe wrote ” Imagine after the warm up i was later told in the dressing room that i won’t play this match against Ghana despite been in the starting line-up.
” Ghanaians🇬🇭 said they will protest if i play against them. All hope is not lost, we can still get it done in the returning leg in Abuja. Up 9ja🇳🇬.
” To me Ghana are afraid of Andy Okpe 12.
” Them go collect wotowoto for Abuja by God’s Grace 🙏. I pray I will be available by then. ” He concluded .
The protest, Sportsration understands, is connected to the allegations of match manipulation against the Okpe and other players of Inter Allies of Ghana .
Okpe , Isah Alli and 19 other former Inter Allies players had earlier this month been given temporary clearance by the Court of Arbitration for Sports – CAS to continue their careers .
The decision to withdraw the forward from the game against Ghana by Coach Salisu Yusuf was sanctioned by the Nigerian Football Federation Officials to allow time for consultation with CAF / FIFA over the players eligibility .
A decision is expected soon to determine their participation in Thursday’s return leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Coach Salisu Yusuf will hope to have Andy Okpe available for selection as the Super Eagles B attempt to overturn Ghana’s 2-0 advantage and book a place at the 2023 Championship of African Nations tournament in Algeria.
