Injury to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has opened the door for other Nigerian strikers to stake their claim for a spot in the Super Eagles squad ahead of the continental championship, which begins in a few weeks
Venezia FC forward David Okereke has hinted that he would jump at the chance to be a part of the Super Eagles team preparing to represent Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Okereke has previously featured for the Nigeria U-23 team, but a low-key spell in Belgium and an abundance of quality Nigerian attackers in Europe have blocked his pathway to the national team.
Head coach Gernot Rohr has relied heavily on Napoli star Victor Osimhen in the last two years, with support from Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Genk’s Paul Onuachu.
But Osimhen is out of the Afcon after suffering multiple facial fractures that required surgery, leaving Rohr with the decision to make on a new number nine.
This development comes when Okereke is shining bright in the Italian Serie A, with the Club Brugge loanee netting winning goals for Venezia in consecutive games against AS Roma and Bologna.
Already tipped as one of the forwards Rohr should consider drafting into his team ahead of Cameroon 2021, Okereke has welcomed the idea, but he is cautious to know it is a long shot.
When asked in a pre-Inter Milan press conference on Wednesday if he thinks about the Super Eagles in view of the Africa Cup of Nations, Okereke replied: “If they call me well, otherwise I’m happy to stay here and continue the adventure with Venezia.”
With four goals and one assist in 12 games, Okereke has contributed almost half of Venezia’s 12 league goals.
The 24-year-old will look to continue his blazing form in front of goal when the Winged Lions host champions Inter Milan at the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo on Saturday.