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Another Super Eagles-eligible player has chosen to represent a European country instead of Nigeria
Leicester City centre-back Memeh Caleb Okoli has expressed his delight after choosing to represent Italy's Azzurri over Nigeria's Super Eagles, marking another significant loss for Nigerian football.
Okoli delighted with Premier League debut and Italy call-up
Okoli made his Premier League debut for Leicester City just last week, playing alongside Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi, but will not be teaming up with the Super Eagles star after he also received his maiden call-up to the senior Italian national team.
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Speaking at a press conference ahead of his possible Italy debut, Okoli shared his emotions about the Premier League debut and his maiden call-up for Italy, saying,
"I had great emotions. The Premier League debut was very important for me. I only knew about the senior [Italy] call-up a few days earlier, and I am really happy with it.
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"I think this experience will give me a lot, and I’m ready to bring what I’ve learned here."
Okoli chooses Italy over Nigeria
Okoli's decision to represent Italy, despite being eligible for Nigeria, has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by Italy's national team at the senior level, but the youngster believes that the Azzurri are on the better path to nurturing young talent.
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He told journalists, "In U21, I had teammates like Fagioli, Ricci, Bellanova, and Udogie. They were my teammates then and now we are together here. They are doing great things in top-tier leagues. I think we are going in the right direction.”
"[Gianluigi] Buffon’s speech was emotional, and I immediately understood his role in this national team. I am convinced everyone will change their mind about the national team. He [Buffon] said we must do anything to represent this country in the best way and I am convinced that we’ll make it."
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Okoli will be hoping to make his debut for Italy when they play against France and Israel in the UEFA Nations Legue.
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