Nigeria Target Akinola Scores On Full Debut For USA; Why Orlando City's Dike Was Left Out

Published: December 10, 2020

United States Men's National Team closed the year with a 6-0 demolition of El Salvador at Inter Miami CF Stadium on Wednesday, December 9.

While Orlando City's Daryl Dike, the younger brother of former Super Eagles striker Bright Dike, picked up a minor injury in camp and did not dress for the game, another attack-minded player on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation in Ayo Akinola was handed a full debut by manager Gregg Berhalter.

The younger Dike has no caps for his country of birth, United States and is eligible to represent the Super Eagles without requesting a change of association, while Toronto FC's Akinola has played competitively for United States youth teams.

The Americans scored an impressive five goals in the space of ten first half minutes through Paul Arriola, Chris Mueller (2), Sebastian Lletget and Akinola.

Twenty seven minutes in, Akinola made it 5-0 with a sliding shot into the near post after unselfish play from Mueller who was on a hat-trick but opted to pass the ball to the number 9.

Akinola, who became the 57th United States player to score on his international debut, was replaced sixteen minutes from time.

Prior to his senior debut, he represented United States at U15, U17 and U20 levels.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : ussoccer.com

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