The first choice goalkeeper of German Bundesliga side Freiburg Noah Atubolu made the headlines when he opt out of the German U21 team ahead of their upcoming games against Ukraine and Kosovo, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
A spokesmen of the German side cited an ankle injury as the reason behind his decision to withdraw from the team, but that too is shrouded in doubts as he was in goal for the last round of Bundesliga games before the international break, where he played the entire duration of their 0-5 loss away to Stuggart.
In Germany, there were reports that his head has probably being turned by the interest from Nigeria. He is eligible for the Super Eagles despite representing Germany from U17 to U21 level.
Speaking to a OwnGoalNigeria.com a source close to the player said Atubolu left the camp due to the ankle injury, which needed rest in order for him to be fit for this weekend game against Borrusia Dortmund.
The idea of wanting to be fit for the game is to consolidate his new position as the first choice of the team, as he has kept goal in their first three games of the season. He said he will certainly get other opportunities in the German team as long as he keeps getting game.
Pressed on if there is any chance of the shot stopper making the switch to Nigeria in time for the Africa Cup of Nations next year. He categorically said that isn’t possible because a decision on switching to Nigeria hasn’t been made yet.
He said the end of the season will be the appropriate time to consider such move. The aim for now is making the best of the opportunity he is currently enjoying as first choice.
Damian Waziri
