Cambuur winger Issa Kallon has confirmed his withdrawal from the Sierra Leone African Cup of Nations squad for matches against Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau next month.

Issa, 26, was initially on the list of players that were supposed to be announced by the Lene Stars technical team ahead of camping in the neighbouring Guinean capital before travelling to Nigeria.

Sierra Leone to open their Afcon 2023 campaign with an away contest against three-times African Champions Nigeria in Abuja on June 9.

Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja will host Nigeria’s 2023 AFCON opening qualifier against Sierra Leone behind closed doors.

Speaking to this medium late Wednesday evening, he confirmed he decided to withdraw due to an expected summer move.

“I am going to make a move this summer, a few clubs are interested in me, and It is important to stay fit and avoid any possibility of getting injured,” Kallon to FSL News.

“My agent decided for me not to leave until I secure a deal. So I called and told the coach that I would not be available as this is going to be an important move to me.”

General Lansana Conté stadium in Guinea to host the Leone Stars home tie against Guinea Bissau Afcon matchday two on June 13 2022.

Kallon, who scored in Cambuur’s 3-2 away win against Groningen last Sunday, was in the Leone Stars March training camp in Turkey.

Sierra Leone’s midfielder Issa Kallon won the penalty after being fouled by Equatorial Guinea’s midfielder Pablo Comitre Ganet during the Group E Africa Cup of Nations match between Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea at Limbe Omnisport Stadium on January 20, 2022. However, the Leone Stars failed to convert the spot-kick.

The last meeting between the two West African nations In Nigeria was a 4-4 draw, played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on November 20 2022.

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