England-born youngster pledges allegiance to Nigeria

KSV Roeselare midfielder, Olukayode Osu has stated that he will love to lace his boots for the Super Eagles despite not visiting the West African country.

Born in North Surrey, England to Nigerian father and Italian mother, the 18-year-old is eligible to represent the three nations.

Able to play as a centre midfielder and a defensive midfielder, the versatile Osu quit the Wimbledon academy in July to sign his first professional contract with Belgian second-tier side, Roeselare, a couple of weeks ago, Soccernet.ng said.

But the ambitious youngster is focused on enjoying a fantastic debut season as a professional in Belgium so he can fulfil his life-long dream of playing for Nigeria.

“I’m a big fan of the Nigerian team. I really enjoy watching the national team,” Osu told Naija Super Fans.

“Few years back in 2013, when the Super Eagles played against Italy in a friendly in England where I was raised, I was there with my family, and it was a great game even though it was against my mother’s country and it felt really close to home.”

The English Premier League has witnessed several of Nigeria’s most gifted stars over the years, including Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu, Bolton Wanderers hero Austin Okocha and former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.

But Osu’s two favourite Nigerian players are Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and former Foxes’ striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

“At the moment, I would say Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City who I saw every time because when I was in England, Leicester were always on the television and they are one of the big teams in the Premier League.

“Then, in the past, I used to like watching Yakubu Aiyegbeni when he played for Everton and Blackburn and also when he played in the World Cup for Nigeria.”

Osu plans to visit his Lagos-born father’s family in the next few months and hopes to be a part of the Flying Eagles in the nearest future.