Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen have explained that former Nigeria U20 international Chidiebere Nwakali agreed to join the club in the winter transfer market in order to improve his chances of making Nigeria's World Cup roster.

Manchester City have sanctioned the central midfielder's loan move to The Reds until the end of the season as he has not obtained a work permit that would have enabled him play in England but the rules are softer in Scotland.

''Chidi is hoping to force his way in to the Nigerian World Cup squad, which could mean he would come up against fellow Don, Kari Arnason, who hopes to be in the Icelandic team,'' wrote Aberdeen on their official website.

Versatile midfielder Nwakali earned his first call up to Nigeria's senior national team for games against Algeria and Argentina in November 2017 but he was among the three players not utilized by manager Gernot Rohr, the others being Olarenwaju Kayode and Uche Agbo.

Nwakali previously spent time on loan at Girona, Malaga, IK Start and Sogndal.

His former Flying Eagles teammates Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi are certain to be named to Nigeria's World Cup squad list, barring an injury.

Igho Kingsley