Nigeria Handed Boost In Pursuit Of Real Madrid's Akinlabi After Omission From Latest Spain U19 Roster

Published: February 06, 2019

The Nigeria Football Federation have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid youth-teamer Marvin Olawale Akinlabi Park following his omission from the latest Spain U19 roster announced on Tuesday, February 5.

Born in Palma de Mallorca, Spain to a Nigerian father and South Korean mother, he is eligible to represent the aforementioned countries but the Spanish Federation made the first step towards luring him to play for their national team after he was capped in a friendly against Italy last month.

Spain U19 boss Santi Denia has not summoned Akinlabi for the friendly matches against Azerbaijan and Scotland scheduled to hold on February 12 and 14 respectively.

Spain are using the friendlies to prepare for for the Elite Qualifying Round of the European Championship.

Akinlabi will become provisionally cap-tied to Spain if he gets game time in next month's competitive fixture with Slovenia but it remains to be seen if he'll be invited after he was omitted from the latest roster.

The Nigeria Football Federation Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi earlier informed allnigeriasoccer.com that Akinlabi is being monitored with a view to a call-up to one of the national teams.

The 18-year-old has featured in every single game contested by Real Madrid in this season's UEFA Youth League, scoring one goal against Viktoria Plzen.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : realmadrid.com