Republic Of Ireland Make Move To Cap-Tie Southampton Super Kid Ahead Of Nigeria, Earns Senior Call-Up

Published: November 06, 2018

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has made a move to cap-tie Southampton wonderkid Michael Obafemi, who is the first player of Nigerian descent born in 2000 to debut in the English Premier League.

The 18-year-old striker has been named in Ireland's provisional squad list for the international friendly with Northern Ireland (November 15) at Aviva Stadium and the UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark (November 19).

If Obafemi figures against the Scandinavians in about two weeks time, he will be permanently bound to Football Association of Ireland and won't be able to represent the Super Eagles in future.

Born in Dublin, the Saints teenage sensation previously received multiple call-ups to Republic of Ireland's youth teams, earning caps at U19 level.

For three years now, Obafemi has been on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation but they did not firm up their interest in the striker by inviting him to the national teams.

Republic of Ireland will announce their final squad on Monday, November 12 before the start of training at the FAI National Training Centre.

Obafemi has received a call-up to Ireland's senior team after making only two appearances for Southampton's first team.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel