Nigeria are in the race to secure the services of one of the most promising young strikers in League Two, Jordan Adebayo-Smith  but have to see off competition from the United States Soccer Federation as well as the English Football Association.

The 17-year-old is one of the worst kept secrets at the Imps having made the match day squad for Carabao Cup and Checkatrade Trophy matches against Blackburn Rovers and Mansfield Town this season.

Born in California, Adebayo-Smith is eligible to represent the USA, England and Nigeria but has no caps for the three nations at the moment.

Speaking to the official website of Lincoln City, the teenage striker admitted that he is learning the trade from one of the most prolific Nigerian strikers in the EFL, John Akinde.

''We were told to pick to a player to watch during first team games on Saturday and I have been looking at Matt Green and John Akinde,'' Adebayo-Smith said.

''I watch how they are involved in the team and their personality in the changing room.

''I have started to pick up on what motivates them before a game and the way they are in a game with movement and communication.''

Described as lightning quick and very skillful with an eye for goal, the East Soccer Base Academy product trialed at Premier League side Watford before joining Lincoln City in the summer.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel