Pinnick Fails To Convince Ex-Arsenal Striker To Represent Nigeria, Set To Debut For England

England C boss Paul Fairclough has announced a 17-man roster for the upcoming friendlies against Panjab FA (May 28) and Jersey FA (May 30), with two players of Nigerian descent picked.

For the first time in their respective careers, James Alabi (Chester) and Fejiri Okenabirhie (Dagenham & Redbridge) have been named in the England squad and set to make their debut.

Striker Alabi is having a sensational season at Chester which has seen him net 17 goals from 42 National League appearances.

Winger Okenabirhie has also impressed in the division netting 7 goals (8 assists) and helping his team qualify for the playoffs.

Two years ago, Nigeria Football Federation supremo Amaju Pinnick held talks with the former Arsenal youth-teamer over committing his international future to Nigeria rather than England.

Fejiri Okenabirhie was named in England C contingency squad in October 2016.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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