With a few weeks to the start of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, the England National U-20 team will be parading four Nigerian-born players at the tournament
•Daniel Oladele Akinbiyi Oyegoke (Brentford, Right back) 20 years.
•Carney Chibueze Chukwuemeka (Chelsea, Midfielder) 19 years.
•Timothy Emeka Iroegbunam (Aston Villa on loan to QPR, Midfielder)19 years.
•Samuel Ikechukwu Edozie (Southampton, Winger) 20 years.
Recall that England won the 2017 tournament with six Nigerian starlets. They are Dominic Solanke, Ademola Lookman, Sheyi Ojo, Fikayo Tomori, Josh Onomah and Ovie Ejaria.
Argentina 2023 will witness another four kids Nigerian blood running in their veins representing England and seeking to repeat the feat achieved by their predecessors.
Indeed, England has discovered the magic of using Nigerian-born teenagers who turn their backs at their biological country for obvious reasons to take English nationalities where their future is guaranteed.
But sadly, these teenagers don’t get into the Three Lions squad and even if they manage to do, they are not better than fringe players who warm the substitute bench.
However, many of these kids prefer it that way rather than play for Nigeria and face the humiliation of being asked to pay to get call-ups and or face the perennial no bonus, no allowance and no flight tickets stories from those managing our football.
Best wishes guys
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