According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria on Monday, November 2, 2026, Al Ain goalkeeper Hassan Sani was reportedly left in tears after being informed that he could not represent Nigeria without risking his place at the UAE club.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper was contacted by Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle, who wanted him to be part of the squad assembled for the international friendly against Russia.

However, Sani was unable to honour the invitation due to concerns surrounding regulations governing foreign goalkeepers in the UAE league.

The goalkeeper, who has already been granted UAE citizenship, currently enjoys local-player status at Al Ain.

Representing Nigeria, however, could affect his status and potentially jeopardise his chances of continuing his career with the club.

A representative of the youngster disclosed that Sani was devastated when he was informed of the situation, as representing Nigeria has always been one of his biggest ambitions.

“He [Sani] was in tears when he was told he can't play for Nigeria, as he would lose his spot at the club and possibly jeopardise his career. His dream has always been to play for Nigeria, but sadly, his main option now is to play for the UAE,” his representative was quoted as saying.

The representative further expressed disappointment over the circumstances, stressing that the goalkeeper had little control over the situation and would have to make the best decision for his career.

“Some things happen that you can't control, and that is how life is. You can't always get what you want, but it's only normal to make the best of what you have at the moment,” the representative added.

Sani's situation represents another setback for Chelle as he continues to assess eligible players ahead of Nigeria's preparations for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the 2028 Olympic Games.

The Nigeria U-23 team, also known as the Olympic Eagles, are preparing for a two-legged qualifying encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo in November.

Nigeria will travel to Lubumbashi for the first leg on November 13 before hosting the return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on November 17.

With Sani's international future now complicated by his circumstances in the UAE, the young goalkeeper could eventually consider representing the country that has granted him citizenship, provided he remains eligible to do so.