American-Born Whizkid Omidiji Commits International Future To Nigeria Ahead Of USA

Published: June 04, 2016

The Nigeria Football Federation have been sounded out about the availability of FC Dordrecht striker Lateef Omidiji Jr.

Born in the United States 12 years ago to a Nigerian father and an American mom, the young star is on the radar of the United States Soccer Federation but the NFF have moved fast to open talks with his dad regarding the player pledging his international future to Nigeria.

However, the fact is that the United States have an Under-14 Boys’ National Team who regularly hold training camps and play international friendlies against other countries and they are not out of the race to cap Lateef Omidiji in the nearest future.

“Yes we discussed his international future and talking to the officials, his mom and I believe that playing for Nigeria is the best route for Lateef Jr as the Pinnick led NFF are very committed to youth development in Nigeria as demonstrated with the Zenith Bank Future Eagles contest and their words were very encouraging,” Lateef Omidiji Sr told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“They have things in the works that will be the foundation for the growth of Nigeria football like they did in Germany where they revamped their entire system.

“I am encouraged by their plans and we are looking forward to working with them.”

Last week, Lateef Omidiji Jr put himself in the shop window once again, notching 7 goals (3 assists), including his strike against Queens Park Rangers at a tournament.

“He even had a discussion with QPR’s U14 coach who could not believe that he was not already on his country’s National team as he was easily the best player on the pitch, ” added the striker’ dad.

Lateef Omidiji Jr visited the Super Eagles before the international friendly against Luxembourg and the players, including Kelechi Iheanacho and William Troost-Ekong, encouraged him to choose Nigeria over USA.

* You can view one of Lateef Omidiji Jr’s goals against Queens Park Rangers here :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfqt50Z2KO8


Ifeanyi Emmanuel