American-Born Whizkid Ripe To Play For Nigeria U17s, Says Dad

Published: June 11, 2016

Lateef Omidiji Jr’s father says the FC Dordrecht striker has all the qualities needed to succeed at the Nigeria U17s, amid suggestions that he could be handed an invitation to the team in the not too distant future.

Should Nigeria qualify for the 2017 Fifa Under 17 World Cup as widely expected and Omidiji makes the Golden Eaglets roster, he won’t be the youngest-ever player to feature for Nigeria at the tournament.

A certain Peter Ogaba was two months shy of his 13th birthday when he made Nigeria’s roster for the 1987 FIFA U-16 World Championship hosted by Canada.

“Do I think he’s ripe enough and play with the Nigerian U17s? Absolutely, he has the technical skills to compete with anyone,” Lateef Omidiji Sr told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“Is he as big as most of our U17s? Probably not but his technique is unquestionable. He is 12 right now and plays against U15s and by the time the U17 WC comes by in India September 2017- I have no doubt that he will be of size but technique wise- he can complete.

“He plays against some of Europe’s elites and gets trained by former Dutch internationals who have taken him under their wings because they believe in him.”

Lateef Omidiji Jr has been scouted several times by Nigeria U15s coach and might be called up to the squad this year.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel