2nd January, 2013
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has rejected the pleas of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and other clubs in Europe to keep Super Eagles players. Tel Aviv want to keep goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama for two extra days.
Tel Aviv want Enyeama for Monday, 7 January, when they travel to face current champions Ironi Kiryat Shmona in an important league match.
The decision by the NFF is a big blow to The Yellows as new signing Tomer Chencinski is ineligible to start playing in the championship until 9 January, the date the transfer window officially opens in Israel.
The NFF has told Tel Aviv hierarchy that Enyeama must report to Faro, Portugal latest by Saturday, 5 January.
The Nigerian federation has also threatened to drag Newcastle United and other clubs holding on to Nigerian players to FIFA.