Championship: Why Okoye, Kalu Were Left Out of Watford's League Opener - Sporting Director

Championship: Why Okoye, Kalu Were Left Out of Watford's League Opener - Sporting Director

Sampson Adedeji

Sporting Director of the English Championship club Watford FC, Cristiano Giaretta, has revealed the reason Nigeria's Super Eagles duo of Maduka Okoye and Samuel Kalu were left out in the opening game, BSNsports.com.ng report

Okoye joined the Hornets in the winter transfer window of 2022 from the Dutch Eredivisie side Sparta Rotterdam but stayed back in Holland on loan before joining the team this summer.

Kalu on his part moved to the Vicarage Road during winter also from the French Ligue one club Girondin Bordeaux and played a few games last season.

Both players were left out of their opening league game against Sheffield United while the defender William Troost-Ekong was on the bench.

The club Director said they were out because of the 'Rule of 11' that was in place in August and hopefully next month everything will be sorted out.

"The rule of 11 will have some influence for now but we are all committed to Rob Edward’s aim of having only 11 non-homegrown players in the first-team squad after the window.

“It’s important we see August differently because things can still change until this month is over," he said.

Watford will square up with Burnley in their next match either of the players may be back in the team for the clash.