Peseiro gives Lookman task of convincing Italian-born Atalanta teammate to play for Nigeria 

Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has revealed that he will give Ademola Lookman the task of  persuading his Atalanta teammate Caleb Okoli to pledge his international future to Nigeria. 

Born in Vicenza, Italy, Okoli is eligible to represent Nigeria through his father but the Italian Football Federation are in the driving seat for his services as of now. 

The central defender became provisionally cap-tied to his country of birth when he started a European U19 Championship qualifier against Malta on November 13, 2019.

He is now a key player for Italy's U21 national team, having gone the distance in eight competitive matches for the age group since the start of last season, and also logged ninety minutes in their friendly against England in September. 

The Nigeria coaches and NFF scouts are scouring Europe for a reliable central defender as Leon Balogun (34), William Troost-Ekong (29) and Kenneth Omeruo (29) are not getting any younger in football terms. 

Okoli fits the bill given that he plays week in, week out for a top five European League club.and has age on his side.  

Asked if he will try to convince Okoli to wear the Nigeria shirt, Peseiro said to Tuttomercatoweb : "Yes, we will try. After this friendly match against Portugal, there will be time to talk to him and to understand his decision.

"Whether he wants to play with us or not. I will talk to him through Lookman: I will present my model to him. , what do I think of him, the project we can have together with Nigeria ".

West Ham central defender Angelo Ogbonna and Basaksehir striker Stefano Okaka were previously eligible to represent the Super Eagles before playing cap-tying games for Italy. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : figc.it

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