This was after the 18-year-old evaded a meeting with NFF officials in London just before the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Nigerian-born Southampton star Michael Obafemi is set to dump the Super Eagles of Nigeria and commit his international future to Ireland.
Obafemi was born in Dublin, Ireland to Nigerian parents but was raised in England where he started his youth football career with Ryan and later Chelsea, Arsenal and Watford. He joined Southampton from Leyton Orient in 2016.
After representing the Republic of Ireland at U-19 level, the 18-year-old has been included in Ireland’s squad for their fixtures during the international break.
Ireland face Northern Ireland in a friendly game on Friday, November 15 before their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark on Monday, November 19.
Obafemi evades meeting
Before his callup to the Republic of Ireland national team, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in the summer made a move for the Southampton player.
The NFF were hopeful of having a meeting with the striker during Super Eagles trip to London where they face England in a warm-up game just before the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He, however evaded NFF officials at that time.
He was also eligible to play for England after growing up in England and the English FA reportedly indicated interest in the striker.
Having been called up to replace injured club teammate Shane Long, the striker will become a full Republic of Ireland international if his plays for the Martin O’Neill side in the UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark.
Obafemi is the second youngest player to make a top-flight appearance for Southampton after making his professional debut as an 82nd-minute substitute in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham in January 2018. He was aged 17 years and 199 days.
He has made two league appearances for Southampton this season.
source https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/southamptons-michael-obafemi-set-to-dump-nigeria-for-ireland-id9100265.html
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