Ireland Beat Nigeria, England To Obafemi As Southampton Prodigy Makes Competitive Debut

Published: November 20, 2018

The Football Association of Ireland have beaten the Nigeria Football Federation and English FA to secure the services of Southampton prodigy Michael Obafemi.

Speculation about the country the teenager will pledge his international future to ended once and for all after he made his competitive debut for Ireland in their goalless draw with Denmark at Ceres Park in Aarhus on Monday evening.

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill handed Michael Obafemi his senior debut in the 80th minute.

Obafemi was delighted to debut for Ireland's senior team and told the BBC after the game : ''It's an amazing feeling to get my first cap for my country. I'm very proud tonight, absolutely buzzing.

"I'll be getting this shirt framed to put it in my house. Obviously my career is still young, but this is definitely a major moment in it.

"Hopefully I can be playing for years to come. I'm still young. I want to get as many caps as possible, score goals if I can and just keep enjoying it.

''There was no doubt in my head about playing for Ireland. I've represented Ireland in youth ages. I never had any doubts at all.''

Obafemi was born in Dublin to Nigerian parents before relocating to England as a child.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : fai.ie