Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman, did not train with the Super Eagles’ squad ahead of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying game against Benin Republic.
Lookman is suspended for the fixture, having picked up a booking in the 2-1 win over Lesotho last week.
However, head coach Eric Chelle opted not to even allow him join in preparations for the match.
Lookman was not dressed in the kits and sat by the pitch to watch the rest of his team-mates train.
It is indeed possible Chelle prefers to plan for the game without Lookman and also not to repeat an error made by South Africa.
Bafana Bafana have seen FIFA deduct three points and three goals from them, after they fielded an ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March.