Arsenal center back Semi Ajayi has expressed his desire to play for the national team of Nigeria even though he remains eligible to defend the colours of England.

Per Fifa rules, the 21 - year - old can turn out for England as his caps for Nigeria’s Under 21 team were earned in friendly matches.

However, reports suggesting that Semi Ajayi will be on the plane to Abu Dhabi for exhibition games against Ivory Coast and Mali next month are incorrect.

The dates fixed for the matches are outside the Fifa window for international matches, therefore, Arsenal are unlikely to release him.

Highly regarded by coach Arsene Wenger, Semi Ajayi has been included in his 18 - man squad three times this season.

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