Exceptional numbers that should prompt Nigeria to convince Italian-born Tottenham defender

Verona-born defender was one of Tottenham Hotspurs’ seven summer signings and has started to prove he’s hot cake whom Nigeria must convince

Destiny Udogie has continued from where he stopped last season in the current campaign and has impressed Udinese fans and his parent club, Tottenham fans.

Udogie joined Tottenham from Udinese for more than €20m but was loaned back to Italy till the end of the season to gain valuable experience.

He impressed last season at the club and is touted as one of the finest youngsters coming out of Italian football.

At 20, his quality at the wingback is exceptionally Italian and explains the investment of Tottenham manager, Antonio Conte and Director of Football, Fabio Paratici in his future.

He’s expected to join Tottenham next season as he’s identified as a significant competition for current left-full back, Ryan Sessegnon, while he can also be helped by Ivan Perisic.

Udogie is yet to gain a senior national callup but is one of the young players on the radar of the Azzurris. His form makes future snub difficult but in the light of that, he’s also expected to push for a national team appearance soon.

While he hasn’t denied his Nigerian roots and hasn’t outrightly stated he won’t play for the Super Eagles, he has on many occasions revealed he prefers the Italian national team.

Udogie however offers a promising prospect to the Nigerian style and defense especially as the team builds to the future with younger players.

The left full-back and wing-back positions are currently occupied mainly by Zaidu Sanusi, Jamilu Collins and Calvin Bassey but with Bassey’s solidity at the centre back role, he will hardly feature on the left side.

With 10 goal contributions in 2022, Udogie has the highest of that statistics of any defender in Europe’s top 5 leagues this year and is just 20.

His seven goals and three assists have been immense and should the Italians tarry in inviting the youngster, the Super Eagles will lose nothing extending a hand.