According to a report circulating in local media in Nigeria, Tottenham Hotspur defender Destiny Udogie still has eligibility to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, reports Soccernet.ng.
Udogi is a 20-year-old Italian-born player with Nigerian roots who has represented Italy in various youth competitions and earned two senior caps with the Italian national team.
The situation of playing for two national teams is an unusual scenario and has raised questions about his possible suitability to represent Nigeria.
Dual nationality players and FIFA’s regulations
Previously, FIFA allowed players to represent the country of their citizenship. However, in 2004 FIFA introduced stricter rules requiring “clear links” between players and the countries they wish to represent. This included, among other things, restrictions on changing nationality in competitive games.
The FIFA rules updated in 2021 mainly focus on the number and circumstances of competitive matches played before the age of 21, and allow players to change national teams under certain conditions. became.
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Destiny Udogie’s dilemma
Udogi recently made his debut for Italy in a European Championship qualifying match against Malta However, under the latest FIFA regulations, players theoretically have a strong bond regardless of whether they participate or not. You are allowed to switch allegiance to another country. In official matches.
However, Udogi celebrated his 21st birthday on November 28th and his chances of representing Nigeria at U-23 or senior level appear uncertain due to FIFA regulations.
Additionally, the Nigeria Football Association faces challenges as many talented players aspire to represent the country, especially with players like Bruno Onyemeach, Zaidu Sanusi and Jamil Collins already on the list. Because they are connected together, there is a possibility that Udogi will be given a lower priority for consideration.
Given these circumstances, it seems unlikely that Udogi will play for Nigeria unless FIFA regulations are further amended.
