Heartbreak As Nantes Sack Promising African Youngster for Going to Under 17 AFCON

• Nantes are said to be unhappy with Younes Ben Ali's taking part in the ongoing Under-17 AFCON
• The Algerian is currently in his home country for the tournament, prompting his club to take action
• Ben Ali is said to have gone against the French team's orders not to participate in the tournament

Younes Ben Ali has reportedly been sacked by those in charge of Ligue 1 side, Nantes, over his decision to join the Algerian Under-17 national team camp for the ongoing African Cup of Nations.

Last weekend, the U17 AFCON started in Algeria with 32 national teams fighting for the title.

Since his country is hosting this year's edition of the tournament, Ben Ali reportedly felt it would be a great chance for him to represent his nation and requested to leave for his home country.

However, according to the report by Daily Trust, Nantes chiefs turned down his request because of the fact that the competition was not on the FIFA calendar.

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He left for the national camp regardless, prompting the club to take action.

Ben Ali's Nantes contract terminated

The report on Within Nigeria stated that Nantes have since drafted a letter of contract termination, which the player has refused to sign.

Meanwhile, Ben Ali stated he is happy to have gotten the chance to play for his national team, which has been his dream for years.

“This year, I had the opportunity to represent my country, Algeria. It is not given to everyone to represent this country. It is a great pride. I did everything right. With the club, we did not agree on some points. I respected everything I had to do."

Ben Ali believes the choice to defy his club's wishes and represent his country was one that should be respected.

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I decided to go to Algeria. I was not disrespectful... Afterwards, there are those who do not agree with me. But the most important thing is to go as far as possible in the African Cup.”

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria starting their U17 AFCON campaign with an emphatic win.

Ahmed Musa surprises Golden Eaglets

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa paying a surprise visit to the camp of the Golden Eaglets in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Nigerian national captain inspired the young players, urging them to focus on their careers and make names for themselves in the game of football.

Currently with Sivasspor in Turkey, Musa also revealed he regretted not having featured for the U17 Nigerian side during his time as a professional.