Nigeria miss out on Billing as Bournemouth midfielder plays cap-tying game for Denmark

The debate over the international future of Philip Billing has ended following his appearance for Denmark in a UEFA Nations League A match against Austria on Monday night, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Bournemouth midfielder was able to switch nationality to Nigeria before he was introduced off the bench at half-time against the Austrians.

The substitute appearance was his third cap for Denmark's senior national team but his first in a competitive match, meaning he has become cap-tied to the Scandinavian country.

Billing was a player of interest to erstwhile Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr and the Nigeria Football Federation and an approach to lure the Huddersfield Town academy product to the three-time African champions after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations was unsuccessful. 

The 26-year-old was disappointed at being left out of Denmark's 2020 European Championship roster and had considered playing for Nigeria, whom he was eligible for through his father.

After an outstanding season that saw him register double figures in goals and assists, and being named in the Championship Team of the Season, he was named on the roster for the internationals in June.

Billing follows in the footsteps of former Sampdoria and PSV left-back Simon Poulsen, who was eligible for the Super Eagles before committing his international future to his country of birth Denmark.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : Instagram.com

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