Ex-England U19 Skipper Ola Aina : I Am Ready To Make My Debut For Nigeria

Published: October 05, 2017

Chelsea product Ola Aina is ready to make his competitive debut for Nigeria when they take on Zambia in a vital World Cup qualifying match in Uyo on Saturday.

Born in the London Borough of Southwark 21 years ago to Nigerian parents, Aina had seemed destined to represent England's senior team as he had caps for the Young Lions at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U20 level, and has been called up to the U21 team.

But the situation of the right back changed when he trained with the Super Eagles at their get-together in the English capital last March and he committed his international future to Nigeria after liking what he saw.

''I am very happy to be here to meet with teammates and also the coach. In the event of me making my debut I am ready,'' Ola Aina said at Thursday morning's press conference attended by allnigeriasoccer.com.

''I've been watching Nigeria team for a long time now, it is very different obviously from where I've grown up. I will be prepared and I will be ready to do my best for the team.''

Aina will challenge Cypriot-based right-back Abdullahi Shehu for a starting shirt against the Copper Bullets, and could also start at left-back ahead of Monaco loanee Elderson Echiejile.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel