Brighton & Hove Albion youngster Odele Offiah has pledged his international future to Nigeria despite strong interest from England, reports Completesports.com.
The youngster simply called ‘Odel’ at Brighton is virtually an unknown figure in Nigeria. His father, Chike Offiah, is brother of England’s Rugby great, Martin Offiah.
The 16-year-old is currently on the radar of England national team youth coaches but Offiah, Completesports.com scooped from a reliable source close to his family in the United Kingdom, is keen on wearing the green and white shirts of Nigeria.
Odele, who will turn 17 in October, can play either in midfield or defence. He is a natural athlete with power and pace.
“I am certain in the knowledge as a professional football scout that Odele is not only better than players in your current under 17 squad, but will undoubtedly improve your current squad’s chances of winning national tournaments,” the source told Completesports.com.
“Odele currently plays for Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion and is also on the standby list for the England national team, however knowing Odele’s family personally, I am aware that Odele’s preferred nation for international football is Nigeria.
“Ultimately, if Nigeria do not select him, at some stage England will! I
simply can’t understand how he has gone under Nigeria’s radar.”
Offia currently plays for Brighton and Hove Albion’s U18s and is in line to get a professional contract after leaving school at the end of this year.
By Adeboye Amosu
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COMMENTS
Hmm ..Apart from:- Adrian Akande (FW) – Chelsea
Joseph Oluwabusola (GK)- Bournemouth
Ibe-Torti (WF) – AS Roma
Lateef-Omidiji Jr in the past,
I noticed some names nowadays…
Armin Playing (GK) SV Subtract,
Daniel Jinadu (GK) Westhampton,
Lesley Ugochukwu (MF) Rennes and Now this Odel Offiah from Brighton. I just hope they won’t hi UST be mentioned only to pick some guys from Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna etc.we must win Under 17 world Cup o!
Armin Olayo and not Armin Playin
If he is good as cliamed by the pundits, then our coaches should go for him and others within his cadre. We need a strong competition in our national teams.