Okaka no willing to play for Nigeria

Watford forward Stefan Okaka, says contrary to insinuations in some quarters, he is not thinking of dumping Italy for Nigeria.

The 27-year-old was born in the Italian city of Castiglione de Lago to Nigerian parents, who later obtained the Italian citizenship.

Okaka has four caps for Italy’s senior national team, the Azzurri, but all four appearances were made in friendly games which makes him eligible for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

The strongly built striker has established himself in the English side Watford’s starting line-up and he’s now eyeing a place in the Italian squad according to his brother and agent Charles Okaka.

“Yet there have been no recent contact with (Gian Piero) Ventura but it’s obvious that the National Team is among the next targets, ”Okaka told Tuttomercatoweb.com.

“Stefano knows that if one works in the right way, with determination, things come by themselves.”

Three years ago, Okaka, who is a former Italy youth international, indicated that he was interested in representing Nigeria, but he was included in the Italy squad by back then coach Antonio Conte.

He made his Azzurri debut against Albania on 18 November 2014 replacing Sebastian Giovinco in the second-half. The last time he played for Italy was against Germany on March 29, 2016.