Argentine-Based Nigerian Midfielder : It Would Be Nice To Have Messi's Jersey At World Cup

Argentine-based Nigerian attacking midfielder Felix Orode is eyeing a place in Nigeria's World Cup roster and has said that it would be nice if he swaps jerseys with Barcelona striker Lionel Messi when both countries face off at Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg on June 26.

Orode, who is married to an Argentine lady, trained with the Flying Eagles in 2007 before the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, but has no caps for the national teams to date.

He enjoys a cordial relationship with Gent winger Moses Simon, who used to stay close to his house in Kaduna.

''I was watching the draw at home and, as soon as it came out, my wife said to me: "Once again with you''. It's going to be a nice game. It's a difficult group, where anyone can beat anyone,'' Orode told ole.com.ar.

''I talk a lot with Moses Simon. He told me many things, hopefully we can play for the same team''.

Orode added : ''It would be nice to exchange jerseys with Messi but I do not know if it would cheer me up.

''I always look at Barcelona for him, I admire him a lot. There are not many like him, a Messi pass is a goal.''

Felix Orode has two kids Simona and Salvador and he has explained to both that their mother is Argentine and father is Nigerian.

''Yes, I showed them the two flags and I always tell them that they have two countries. I feel the same. I'm even close to getting my Argentine citizenship.

''Hopefully one day the four of us can travel, I want my mom to meet her grandchildren.''

Igho Kingsley