England’s U-21 coach, Aidy Boothroyd has expressed his worry over the way Nigeria Football Federation are trying to poach English-born Nigerian players with a spots in the World Cup roster if they commit their international future to the three-time African champions.
It is known that the Nigerian Federation are trying to persuade the likes of Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, Liverpool duo Ovie Ejaria and Sheyi Ojo, Everton’s Ademola Lookman and Arsenal’s Chuba Akpom to pledge their international future to Nigeria.
The NFF have snatched three former England youth-teamers in the shape of Victor Moses, Chelsea defender Ola Aina and Arsenal striker Alex Iwobi from under England’s nose, and Boothroyd is worried that others may follow suit if their starting spots are not guaranteed.
”Nigeria are trying to get as many players as they can and you can’t blame them because we’ve got some good players. Sheyi Ojo is another,”Aidy Boothroyd told the English press, the Daily Mail.
‘‘It is a hard one because I can’t guarantee they are going to play, as the group is so good. Perhaps other countries might see that, promise the world, and get them in the first team before you know it.”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
