In-Demand Concord Rangers Star Who Idolises Drogba, Henry Open To Representing Nigeria

Concord Rangers star Temi Babalola has not ruled out representing the Nigerian national teams though he was born in England and is a potential Young Lion.

The highly-rated teenager is being linked with a transfer to a club higher up the football pyramid in England after a string of fine displays for the Beach Boys, with Luton Town and Ipswich Town mentioned as possible destinations.

Asked where his international lies, Babalola told allnigeriasoccer.com : "I have not really thought about that to be honest, England and Nigeria are both very good countries, they play good football, they are both tip-top countries, I would not mind playing for either of them.

"I was born in England, I watched England for a number of years but at the same time playing for Nigeria will be very good as well.

"Nigeria play in the Nations Cup and the World Cup, they have good technical players, players of good ability.

"I believe if I play for the team I'd fit in and there's a lot of good chemistry within the changing room in the Nigeria squad.

"Hopefully one day I get to play for them if not I will play for England, you never know".

Asked a question about the striker he styles his game after, Babalola picked not one but two in the form of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba and Arsenal's all-time top scorer Thierry Henry, saying they are best strikers to grace the English Premier League.

"The strikers I modeled growing up are Didier Drogba and Thierry Henry, they score superb goals, sublime goals - headers, long shots, even in the six yard box.

"They score different types of goals and when you watch them you learn a lot.

"Being in the right place at the right time as a striker is very good, it's very helpful and it gives you a yard on a defender every time. Those are my top two strikers to play in the Premier League."

Babalola concluded by saying that he was disappointed that Concord Rangers lost on penalties to Football League team Stevenage in the Emirates FA Cup last weekend and is now focused on the league.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel