Southampton Whizkid Rejected By NFF Included In Final Republic Of Ireland Squad

Published: November 12, 2018

Southampton wonderkid Michael Obafemi could become cap-tied to the Republic of Ireland in the next one week after he was included in the final Republic of Ireland squad list announced on Monday, November 12.

In the event that he makes his competitive debut against Denmark in a UEFA Nations League match in Ceres Park, Aarhus on Monday, November 19, then the striker will no longer qualify to play for the three-time African champions.

Obafemi is among six strikers in the Ireland squad for the double header against Northern Ireland and Denmark.

Despite only three appearances for Southampton's first team and totaling 25 minutes of game time, manager Martin O'Neill has picked Obafemi as he is widely viewed as one of the most exciting prospects in Irish football.

The 18-year-old had wanted to represent the Super Eagles after traveling to Abuja for a pre-World Cup friendly against the Golden Eaglets in 2015 but was snubbed by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Manchester United legend Paul McGrath, who could have played for the Super Eagles, represented Ireland at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel