Nigeria-Eligible Duo Toronto's Akinola, Orlando City's Dike Get Maiden Call-Ups To USMNT

Published: December 01, 2020

Nigeria-eligible strikers Daryl Dike and Ayo Akinola have received maiden call-ups to United States Men's National Team ahead of an international friendly against El Salvador in Ft. Lauderdale.

USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has named a 22-player group for the friendly on December 9, with the two American-Nigerian youngsters among the six forwards invited.

Daryl, the younger brother of Nigeria international Bright Dike, was open to representing the Super Eagles but the United States Soccer Federation have taken the first steps to secure his services ahead of Nigeria.

Akinola has been part of United States age group sides in the past, earning caps for the U15s, U17s and U20s.

The 20-year-old has been on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation but the three-time African champions did not follow up their interest.

Dike had a breakout campaign in 2020, recording eight goals with four assists in the regular season and was voted MLS Player of the Month in August, while Akinola tallied nine goals in 15 matches.

The two strikers won't be cap-tied to United States if given minutes against El Salvador because the match is only a friendly and is holding outside FIFA's calendar for international matches.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : instagram.com/daryld09

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com