Table of Contents
- Junior Olaitan's Absence
- Impact on Benin Republic
- Background of Junior Olaitan
- Injury Concerns
- Club's Intervention
Göztepe midfielder, Junior Olaitan, will not be traveling to the Benin Republic's World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda this weekend.
The midfielder was prevented by his Turkish club from making the journey, which is a significant setback for the West African team.
During the October international break, Benin Republic is scheduled to face both Rwanda and Nigeria.
Olaitan, who was born in Porto-Novo to a Beninese mother and a Nigerian father, opted to represent Gernot Rohr’s team over Nigeria, despite spending his childhood in Lagos.
Despite dealing with an injury that kept him out of Göztepe’s last two Super Lig matches, coach Rohr included him in the squad for the final two qualifying matches against Rwanda and Nigeria.
Mega Sports reports that the 23-year-old was stopped by Göztepe officials at Istanbul Airport while he was attempting to leave the city covertly, without the club's authorization.
Göztepe prevented him from flying to Kigali, despite FIFA regulations that require them to allow Olaitan to join the Benin Football Federation.
Nonetheless, the club is entitled to restrict the player from traveling to Rwanda if medical evaluations confirm that he is unfit to play.
Olaitan is an essential player for Rohr’s squad and has started the last eighteen competitive matches for the Cheetahs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Junior Olaitan not participating in the World Cup qualifiers?
Junior Olaitan was blocked by his club Göztepe from traveling to the World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda this weekend.
What impact does Olaitan's absence have on the Benin Republic team?
His absence is a significant setback for the West African team, as he is a key player in the squad.
What is the reason for Göztepe's decision to block his travel?
Göztepe is within their rights to prevent Olaitan from traveling if medical assessments indicate that he is not fit to play.
