Netherlands steal march on Nigeria, Germany, Bosnia in race for talented Ajax defender 

The Royal Dutch Football Association have stolen a march on three countries by provisionally cap-tying talented Ajax Amsterdam central defender Precious Ugwu, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Ugwu is qualified to play for his country of birth Germany, Netherlands because he has lived there for a long time, Nigeria through his father and Bosnia and Herzegovina through his mother. 

After making the gameday squad four times without being utilized off the bench, Ugwu made his first competitive appearance for the Netherlands at all levels on Sunday as the Oranje were defeated 4-1 in their second group match of the ongoing European U17 Championship. 

Ugwu was handed his debut in the 58th minute when he came off the bench to replace Elijah Dijkstra.

The 17-year-old initially planned to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina but was convinced to play for the Netherlands, while his mother claimed that an approach from the Nigeria Football Federation was turned down. 

"They called us a few days ago, for the umpteenth time from Nigeria," Mirela, Precious Ugwu's mother told Sportsport in February 2023.

"They want Precious to come there and play for them, but there is nothing to come of it. He already told me that he has made a decision and that he wants to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina."

Ugwu offer versatility as he is capable of playing as a central defender, defensive midfielder and right-back. 

The Bosnian-Dutch-German-Nigerian starlet scored one goal in 27 appearances for Ajax Amsterdam youth team in 2022-2023.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit:uefa.com

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