The French-born Tinhan's decision delayed the final selection of the 23-man Benin squad by coach Michel Dussuyer for this month's tournament in Angola.
The 20-year-old Tinhan had expressed surprise at being named in a preliminary squad and was advised by his parents and club not to play at the tournament given his lack of senior experience, Benin's Le Matinal newspaper reported.
Tinhan has played just 19 minutes of Ligue 1 football for bottom-placed Grenoble.
Benin will play a warm-up friendly at home against Libya on Wednesday before departing for Angola. Their opening Group C game is against Mozambique in Benguela on January 12.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Yoann Djidonou (Libourne), Rachad Chitou (Wikki Tourists), Valere Amoussou (Mogas '90).
Defenders: Khaled Adenon (Bastia), Mouftaou Adou (Port Autonome), Damien Chrysostome (Denizlispor), Emmanuel Imorou (Gueugnon), Reda Johnson (Plymouth Argyle), Junior Salomon (Port Autonome), Felicien Singbo (Lokomotiv Plovdiv).
Midfielders: Gerard Adanhoume (Soleil Cotonou), Jocelyn Ahoueya (FC Sion), Pascal Angan (Wydad Casablanca), Romuald Boco (Sligo Rovers), Djiman Koukou (Evian-TG), Seidath Tchomogo (East Riffa), Nouhoum Kobena (Al Madina), Mouri Ogoubiyi (En Avant Guingamp), Arnaud Seka (Tonnerre Bohicon), Stephane Sessegnon (Paris St Germain).
Forwards: Mohamed Aoudou (Evian-TG), Razak Omotoyossi (FC Metz), Mickael Pote (Nice).
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