Former Austrian-based striker Benedict Akwuegbu has revealed that Bayern Munich sensation David Alaba would have been defending the colours of Nigeria now not Austria if only the Nigeria Football Federation had listened to his advice.

The retired Nigeria international claims that he approached the leadership of the NFF regarding the possibility of capping Alaba before he made his competitive debut for the Austrian senior national team, but didn’t receive a positive response from the Federation.

Benin-City born Kelvin Arase is following the same path as Alaba and the Rapid Vienna winger could be lost to Austria if he is not convinced to represent the Super Eagles, having turned out for their U15, U17, U18, U19 teams.

“Kelvin Arase is a fantastic player, I told the NFF about him two years ago when he was playing for the Austrian U17 team, ” said Benedict Akwuegbu to allnigeriasoccer.com.

“That is how we lost David Alaba to Austria, I told the NFF about him but they were slow to make a move for him before he was capped by Austria.

“They should engage some ex-internationals to talk to these players. The NFF need us, we can’t be overlooked. ”

It is all but confirmed that the 18-year-old Arase will add to his international caps for the Austrian youth teams starting from next week as he has been invited to the U19 team for the European Championship qualifying tournament.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel