The Squirrels of Benin Republic on Tuesday refused to play their final African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match against Sierra Leone after losing against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
TheNewsGurru.com (TNG) reports the Super Eagles beat Benin by a lone goal from Paul Onuachu in the 92nd minute of the game with the Squirrels bid to play Sierra Leone in what is next.
However, the Benin Republic national football team backed out of the game after five (5) players in the squad tested positive to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and therefore not eligible for the match.
Rows over COVID-19 tests have plagued African football since last year with host national teams and clubs accused of producing false positive results to deprive opponents of stars.
Recall that a positive COVID-19 test result was also produced for Super Eagles star, Alex Iwobi that saw him sitting out the match against Benin in an isolation room.
Talks between Sierra Leone, Benin and Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials in Freetown failed to resolve the standoff as both squads remained in their hotels.
Benin hold a three-point lead over Sierra Leone in Group L and both teams have a chance of finishing runners-up to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, following the situation, the organizing committee of AFCON has postponed the match until the next FIFA international break scheduled for June, 2021.