Two players of Nigerian descent have received call-ups to the Republic of Ireland U18s squad for a tournament in Slovakia later this month.

Southampton striker Michael Obafemi is joined on the roster by the highly-rated Stoke City striker Shola Ayoola.

Republic of Ireland Under 18 Head Coach Jim Crawford is hoping  that both players will give a good account of themselves when the Slovakia Cup begins on April 24.

He said to the FAI website : ''This is a great chance for the likes of Shola Ayoola, Michael Obafemi, Callum Nicell and Callum Mollett to play for Ireland and make an impression upon Tom Mohan, who will be at the tournament also.

''We’ll see if these players are up to international level but it’s also an opportunity for themselves as players to learn a lot and use this as a barometer of where they’re at.''

Republic of Ireland have been grouped with Czech Republic, Russia and Turkey in the eight-team tournament.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : stokecityfc.com