Spain move ahead of Nigeria and England in race for Manchester United youth teamer

The Royal Spanish Football Federation have stolen a march on both the Nigeria Football Federation and the English Football Association in the race to secure the international future of highly rated Manchester United youth team goalkeeper Darlington Osuchukwu, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Born in Murcia, the teenage shot-stopper is eligible to represent Spain by birth, Nigeria through his parents, and England on residency grounds. 

Until recently, England appeared to be in pole position for Osuchukwu, who has been invited to attend Young Lions U15 and U16 training camps.

However, Spain have now moved decisively by handing the promising goalkeeper a maiden call-up to their U17 team.

The invitation follows his standout displays during Manchester United's U16 tour of Hong Kong, where he impressed in a series of penalty shootouts and further enhanced his reputation as one of the most promising goalkeepers in his age group.

Spain U17s will gather in Alfaz del Pí from Monday, August 25 to Thursday, August 28 as part of preparations for the resumption of the European U17 Championship qualifiers in October. 

Osuchukwu is expected to take part in the camp, which could be the first step towards securing his international allegiance.

If he features in October's qualifiers against Andorra, Latvia or Denmark, Osuchukwu would become provisionally cap-tied to Spain. 

Any subsequent switch to represent Nigeria or England would then require FIFA approval for a change of association.

Osuchukwu began his football journey in Spain with Gazte Berriak and Osasuna before moving to England three years ago when his family relocated for work commitments. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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