Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr has claimed Joe Aribo was late for international duty after being involved in transfer talks.
The Super Eagles face a double-header of World Cup qualification games this week against Liberia and Cape Verde.
Ibrox playmaker Aribo was among a trio of late arrivals to the training camp before the opening fixture alongside Racing Genk striker Paul Onuachu and Boavista defender Chidozie Awaziem.
German boss Rohr insists the trio were speaking to clubs about a potential move away deadline and were allowed extra time.
Speaking to the Nigerian media after training, Rohr said : ”These players were concerned by transfer problems so they could not be here with us on Tuesday).”
During the transfer window, reports claimed that Aribo had been tracked by an unnamed English top-flight side have ‘concrete interest’ in the midfielder.
However, no offer appeared to materialise and he remained with the Premiership champions.
The 25-year-old has impressed since joining Rangers from Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2019 and has been among the early standouts for Steven Gerrard ‘s side so far this season.