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If Peseiro calls, is excess Napoli-owned Folorunsho “open to” play for the Super Eagles?

Michael Folorunsho’s representatives has said that despite being called up to the Italy national team, his client is still keen to play for the Super Eagles.

When the Super Eagles coach takes action, the Italian-Nigerian is expected to make a final determination on which nation he would choose to declare his loyalty to.

Since joining SSC Napoli in 2023, the 24-year-old center midfielder has toured across Italian clubs on loan.

However, due to his performance outside the Diego Maradona stadium, the Italian of Nigerian heritage has been called up to the nation’s national squad by Roberto Mancini

Despite being called up to the Italian squad, the midfielder may be open to a call-up from the Super Eagles coach, according to a report from his management that was quoted by the OGN.

” There have been no contact with Nigeria, but it is something he is open to because he feels Nigerian. When the coach (Jose Peseiro) makes a move, then we will decide, for now, it’s just Italy, and that is where his mind is at the moment.” the quote reads.

Is the player from Bari FC going to end up being an excess in the Super Eagles squad, as everyone would ask?

Since winning the 2013 AFCON trophy, it’s reasonable to say that the Nigerian side has still not given their supporters much to celebrate about, and their position in the FIFA rankings has declined.

After taking over management from Austin Eguavoen in May, the Portuguese manager has had time to assess which squad members need reviving and how to address any weaknesses effectively.

But rather than those who would show up to warm the bench, Peseiro could require some players with an additional quality in the squad if he wants to guide his team to multiple triumphs both at home and abroad.

But starting with his ratings in FIFA 23, the youngster has 69, high in the attack, and medium in his defensive work rate, compared to Oghenekaro Etebo’s 72, Joe Aribo’s 75, Frank Onyeka’s 73.

Tilting away from the present players, there are a pool of players in Europe, and at home, not to talk of some U-20 squads that can be handed the baton of providing the Super Eagles team with some strong traits.

While the potentials of the Super Eagles players have not earned us the desired results the country wants in recent years, it is suggested that the former Reggina 1914 player is too early for a call-up, and Peseiro’s gaze should be on those who can beat the present players off the team.

 

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

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