FLASHBACK : Carpi Striker Jerry Mbakogu Chooses To Represent Nigeria Ahead Of Italy

One of the hottest properties in Italian football, Jerry Mbakogu, is targeting a call - up to the Super Eagles after committing his international future to Nigeria despite living in Italy for the past ten years.
 
Before the end of this year, the Carpi star will be issued an Italian passport that will enable him feature for The Azzurri, but he has stated that he habours no ambition to represent the four - time world champions.
 
“I am 100 percent Nigerian, though I have been in Italy for long now and my life is here,” Jerry Mbakogu told SL10.ng.
 
“Sincerely, I have not been thinking much on the national team, I have been working hard to make my future.
 
“As a Nigerian though, I’d like to play for my country, I grew up in Lagos and left when I was 12.”
 
The 22 - year - old says he follows the Super Eagles closely, and reserved special praise for Stoke City’s Peter Odemwingie.
 
“Of course I do follow the national team and I support them also. It’s a pity though we didn’t qualify for the last African Cup of Nations.
 
“Oduamadi is my friend and he represents Nigeria often. Odemwingie is a classy striker, I like his football.
 
“If I am to choose between Nigeria or Italy, I’d like to play for my country Nigeria , although I don’t know how the system functions there,” Jerry Mbakogu added.
 
With 13 goals to his name this season, Mbakogu will be looking to continue his good form in the Serie B when Carpi take on Ternana on Saturday afternoon.
 
Article originally published by SL10.ng on March 21, 2015 by Editor, allnigeriasoccer.com, Ifeanyi Emmanuel