Japan U23s Striker Of Nigerian Descent Onaiwu Named In Squad To Face South Africa

Japan Under 23s coach Makoto Teguramori has included JEF United striker Ado Onaiwu in a 21-man roster for an international friendly against South Africa on June 29.

Ado Onaiwu, who has Nigerian heritage, was among the four attackers that made the squad list.

Born in Saitama 20 years ago to a Nigerian father and a Japanese mom, the attacker has been given a final opportunity to impress Teguramori, with the manager set to name his 18-man squad for the Games on July 1.

Onaiwu will be keen to represent Japan at the Olympics, with Japan set to face his father’s country in their opener before meeting with Colombia and Sweden.

He was in the Japanese squad for the 2016 Toulon Tournament in France.

Igho Kingsley