Dual-Eligible Players Tracker : Arsenal's Azeez, PSV's Madueke Star For England; Four Players Of Nigerian Descent Start For Ireland U17 EURO

Published: May 04, 2019

How players of Nigerian descent fared for their respective nations on the opening day of the 2019 European U17 Championship on Friday, May 3.

England U17s settled for a point against France at the City Calling Stadium - Longford, with two players of Nigerian descent in the shape of Arsenal's Miguel Azeez and PSV's Nonso Madueke starting for the world champions.

While Azeez went the distance and gave a good account of himself, Madueke put in an excellent shift for 89 minutes before he was replaced.

Sam Greenwood's first-half penalty was cancelled out by France's number 18 Aouchiche in the 79th minute.

In a Group A fixture at the Tallaght Stadium, Dublin, Manchester City duo Gavin Bazunu and Timi Sobowale, Derby County's Festy Ebosele and Norwich City's Andrew Omobamidele started for Republic of Ireland as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Greece.

Everitt gave the hosts the lead from close range on 58 minutes and Bazunu was close to posting a shutout until the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time when substitute Arsenidis scored a dramatic equaliser.

Southampton's Roland Idowu who was handed a late call-up for the U17 EURO was a non-playing substitute. Sobowale was replaced in the 66th minute.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel