The international future of newly signed Leicester City defender Caleb Okoli was once again in the news in Italy following reports that Nigeria still hold a huge interest in luring him to play for the Super Eagles.
Born in Italy to parents of Nigerian descent Okoli joined newly promoted Leicester City from Serie A side Atalanta after a productive loan spell with fellow Italian Serie A side Frosinone last season, where he played 34 games.
23 year old Okoli is now hoping to establish himself in the English top flight and possibly fight his way into senior international football setup, where he is eligible to play for either Italy or Nigeria. A decision is expected as he has crossed the age of playing youth football.
When asked about his international future last year, he said Italy where he was a junior international remains his first choice, but left the door open for a switch to Nigeria in the event that he doesn’t get a call up to the Italian side.
“I think I’m lucky to be able to play for two countries. I always talk to my parents about it,” Okoli said, per Napoli Magazine.
“For now, I’m thinking about playing and achieving the team goal, then the national team will be a consequence.
“I hope for a call from Spalletti and to play with the Italian national team, which is of the highest level in the future. if the call from Italy doesn’t arrive, I could make the decision on the Nigerian national team”.
His statement were revisited during a television program in Italy highlighting the exodus of young Italian defenders to England with the transfer of Ricardo Califiori to Arsenal few details away from completion. Another young Italian defender Destiny Udogie also moved to Tottenham Hotspur and was a huge hit last season before injury brought his season to a premature end.
For Okoli, a caller into the show said the longer he stays out of the Italian set-up the more his chances of playing for Nigeria, especially if he does well at Leicester City.
Ade Emmanuel
