Nigerian-Brazilian Goalkeeper Receives Call-Up To United States U20s

The United States Soccer Federation have moved fast to cap Nigerian goalkeeper Phillip Ejimadu after inviting him to the U20 MNT.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to a Nigerian father and Brazilian mom, he can represent the national teams of Nigeria, Brazil plus his country of birth, United States.

USA U20 Head Coach Tab Ramos has named Ejimadu in his 25-man roster and the Nacional Atlético Clube netminder will compete with CJ Dos Santos (S.L. Benfica) and Brady Scott (FC Köln) for a starting shirt during their friendly matches in Spain.

Speaking on his maiden invite to the United States U20s, Ejimadu told nacionalacsp.com.br : ''I  thank God for the opportunity I am having to play for my national team.

''They saw me play in the 2018 São Paulo Cup . Unfortunately the Naça team did not do well, but I was one of the highlights of the team and the Club ended up receiving a letter from the North American team requesting that I introduce myself in order to play some friendly matches in Spain.

''I was surprised, because initially I was the last goalkeeper of the U20 and I ended up becoming a starter and I was able to impress in the Cup.''

The 18-year-old Phillip Ejimadu, who has lived in Brazil since the age of seven, is in line to play against France on March 21 and March 23 and Atletico Madrid's U-21 team.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : nacionalacsp.com.br