Nigeria Beats England and Argentina To Secure International Allegiance of Two Key Players
- Nigeria has beaten England and Argentina to secure teenage stars Divine Onyemachi and Jonathan Spiff Asuzu
- Onyemachi, a winger with 20 goals across two U18 Premier League seasons, joins Nigeria from Italian club Lecce
- River Plate striker Azuzu, who is inspired by Jay-Jay Okocha, has also committed to play for Nigeria over Argentina
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have received a major boost ahead of next month’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, after successfully securing the international allegiance of two highly-rated teenagers.
18-year-old talented stars Divine Onyemachi and Jonathan Spiff Asuzu have chosen to represent Nigeria despite strong interest from England and Argentina.
Onyemachi chooses Nigeria over England
Divine Onyemachi, who was raised in England, had been eligible for the Three Lions but opted for Nigeria instead, Soccernet reports.
Source: Instagram
The youngster recently left West Bromwich Albion to sign with Serie A side Lecce, further enhancing his growing reputation in European football.
Last season, he scored 11 goals in 21 U18 Premier League appearances for West Brom, while also adding two goals in the FA Youth Cup.
He followed up with another nine league goals in the following campaign, a run of form that earned him his move to Italy this summer.
The winger has already been rewarded with a first call-up to Nigeria’s training camp in Abuja, where preparations are underway for the U20 World Cup.
Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu believes Onyemachi represents the kind of spark that could help Nigeria finally capture the elusive trophy after finishing runners-up in 1989 and 2005.
Asuzu also commits to the Flying Eagles
While Onyemachi strengthens Nigeria’s wide play, River Plate forward Jonathan Spiff Asuzu bolsters the attack.
Source: Instagram
Born in Buenos Aires to a Nigerian father and Argentine mother, Asuzu was eligible for Argentina but instead chose to honour his Nigerian roots.
His admiration for Nigerian legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha played a key role in his decision to wear the green and white jersey.
Azuzu, known for his intelligence, movement, and ability to finish with both feet, recently earned a promotion to River Plate’s reserve side.
His performances at the Mohammed VI Football Academy tournament in Morocco earlier this year showcased his potential, attracting attention from both national teams.
Nigeria’s ambitions for the FIFA U20 World Cup
Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in youth football, yet the Flying Eagles are still chasing their first U20 World Cup title. The closest they came was in 1989 and 2005, when they finished as runners-up.
This year, the Flying Eagles will compete in Group F against Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway.
The tournament, running from September 27 to October 19 across four Chilean cities, will see Nigeria joined by fellow African representatives South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt.
NFF secures international future of Chelsea star
In a related development, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have won the battle against England for the international future of a youngster who is eligible to play for both countries.
Young Chelsea striker Chizaram Ezenwata has dumped England and will now represent Nigeria going forward.
Source: Legit.ng
