Göztepe midfielder Junior Olaitan will miss Benin Republic’s World Cup qualifying clash against Rwanda this weekend after being prevented by his Turkish club from travelling.
The 23-year-old, who has been sidelined with injury, was reportedly stopped by Göztepe officials at Istanbul Airport as he attempted to leave for national duty without permission.
Olaitan’s absence is a major blow for Gernot Rohr’s side, who are set to face Rwanda and Nigeria during the October international window.
Born in Porto-Novo to a Beninese mother and Nigerian father, Olaitan grew up in Lagos but opted to represent Benin Republic at international level. He has been a key figure under Rohr, starting the Cheetahs’ last 18 competitive games.
While FIFA rules oblige clubs to release players for international duty, Göztepe are within their rights to withhold Olaitan if medical assessments deem him unfit to play.
Rohr included the midfielder in his squad despite his recent absence from Göztepe’s last two Turkish Super Lig fixtures due to injury.
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