England Overtake Nigeria, Ireland In Race For The Services Of Arsenal Whizkid
Published: February 20, 2018
The English Football Association has leapfrogged Nigeria and Republic of Ireland Federations in the race for the services of Arsenal wonderkid Armstrong Okoflex.
The Gunners U18 striker cum winger was invited to England U16s squad for the recent 2018 UEFA Development Tournament, where the Young Lions faced Scotland, Spain and Denmark.
Okoflex was born in Ireland but can represent the Nigerian national teams through his parents, who moved to Republic of Ireland more than two decades ago.
It was thought the Irish were in pole position for his services, with the player admitting at the start of this season that he's more connected to Ireland as he was born there.
''Ireland is where I’m from but England is financially better and the grounds are amazing. I enjoy playing with both but obviously I’m Irish so I feel the connection with them,'' Okoflex told Irish Times.
''Nigerian players born in Dublin should be given more opportunities to play with Ireland if they’re good enough. Diversity is very important in football.
''The best nations have a mixture, not just white or black players. This is what Ireland can improve on.''
Armstrong Okoflex was one of the standout players for the Republic of Ireland at the 2017 Victory Shield tournament in Northern Ireland.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : instagram.com/armstrong_100
The Gunners U18 striker cum winger was invited to England U16s squad for the recent 2018 UEFA Development Tournament, where the Young Lions faced Scotland, Spain and Denmark.
Okoflex was born in Ireland but can represent the Nigerian national teams through his parents, who moved to Republic of Ireland more than two decades ago.
It was thought the Irish were in pole position for his services, with the player admitting at the start of this season that he's more connected to Ireland as he was born there.
''Ireland is where I’m from but England is financially better and the grounds are amazing. I enjoy playing with both but obviously I’m Irish so I feel the connection with them,'' Okoflex told Irish Times.
''Nigerian players born in Dublin should be given more opportunities to play with Ireland if they’re good enough. Diversity is very important in football.
''The best nations have a mixture, not just white or black players. This is what Ireland can improve on.''
Armstrong Okoflex was one of the standout players for the Republic of Ireland at the 2017 Victory Shield tournament in Northern Ireland.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : instagram.com/armstrong_100
Latest News
- Super Eagles striker Boniface admits missing 2023 AFCON was one of the painful moments of his career
- Confirmed team news: Aston Villa old boy Chukwuemeka will miss Chelsea's trip to B6 6HE
- 2019 Golden Eaglets invitee Offiah makes his home debut for Brighton in loss to Man City
- 'Goal return is acceptable but could be greater' - Rangers legend likens Dessers to Chelsea striker
- Agent reveals why Super Eagles defender's proposed moves to MLS, Serie A fell through
- 2021 Super Eagles invitee open to a summer transfer to Manchester United
- Who Will Win Gold? Unveiling the Paris 2024 Olympics Football Showdown
- Portuguese top-flight club join Gent in race to sign Viborg striker Ementa
- Tottenham Hotspur hold the advantage over Newcastle in the race to sign Nigerian centre-back
- Akpom would like Ajax to appoint legendary Liverpool playmaker as coach amid talks with ex-Chelsea boss
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football