The Nigeria Football Federation are still lagging behind the Football Association of Ireland in the race for the services of the two of the most promising teenage strikers in England, ahead of the 2019 Fifa U17 World Cup.

Defending champions Republic of Ireland have named talented Manchester United striker Mipo Odubeko and Arsenal starlet Armstrong Okoflex in a 20-man roster for the prestigious Victory Shield Tournament in Northern Ireland next week.

Odubeko has been impressive for Manchester United youth teams in the current campaign and finished as the top scorer for the U15s in the SuperCupNI in July with three goals to his name.

The 15-year-old Armstrong Okoflex has appeared three times for the Gunners in the U18 Premier League so far this season.

Republic of Ireland will begin their campaign at the Victory Shield against Northern Ireland on October 23, face Wales October 25 before wrapping up group play against Scotland two days later.

Nigeria internationals Ola Aina (Chelsea) and Alex Iwobi (Arsenal) helped England U16s clinch the Victory Shield of 2011; Odubeko and Okoflex will be hoping to do the same for Republic of Ireland U16s.

Republic of Ireland Victory Shield Roster

Goalkeepers: Harry Halwax (Leixlip United), Jimmy Corcoran (Cherry Orchard)

Defenders: Alex Dunne (Shamrock Rovers), Cian Kelly (Bray Wanderers), Conor Power (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Mazeed Ogbungo (Arsenal), Tega Agberhiere (Waterford FC), James Furlong (Bray Wanderers)

Midfielders: Brandon Holt (St Patrick’s Athletic), Jamie Farrell (St Kevins Boys), Seamus Keogh (Sligo Rovers FC), Matt Healy (College Corinthians), Ronan Mc Kinley (Derry City), Troy Parrott (Belvedere FC)

Forwards: Sean Kennedy (Kerry League), Josh Guirigi (Leixlip United), Festy Obosele (Bray Wanderers), Armstrong Okoflex (Arsenal), Matt Everitt (Brighton & Hove Albion), Mipo Odupeko (Manchester United)

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : academymanutd.com