Espérance de Tunis will take on Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals without Nigerian midfielder Onuche Ogbelu, as the club prepares for life beyond the 22-year-old.
The Tunisian giants were drawn against the Egyptian powerhouse following last Tuesday’s quarterfinal draw in Cairo. However, Ogbelu will play no part in the two-legged tie after reportedly being dropped from Esperance’s technical plans.
According to reports, the decision forms part of an internal sanction stemming from the midfielder’s refusal to renew his contract, coupled with his decision to sign a preliminary agreement with Al-Ittihad ahead of next season.
Esperance are expected to turn to Moez Haj Ali as Ogbelu’s replacement, with the midfielder being prepared for the high-stakes showdown against Al Ahly next month.
Ogbelu, who has been a regular figure for Esperance, is set to see his contract expire at the end of the current campaign. He was strongly linked with a move to Al-Ittihad in January, with the transfer expected to be finalised at the conclusion of the season.
The first leg of the CAF Champions League quarterfinals is scheduled for March 13 or 14, with the return fixtures set for March 20 or 21.
This season, Ogbelu has featured 27 times across all competitions for Esperance, scoring once and providing one assist.
