'We Are Not In Talks With Either Nigeria Or England' - Southampton Striker Clears The Air On International Future
Published: November 15, 2018Southampton striker Michael Obafemi has committed his international future to his country of birth, the Republic of Ireland, according to his intermediary, Playerworks CSM Agency.
There has been speculation over the national team he will represent as he is also eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents and England, the country where he was raised.
The 18-year-old was a surprise inclusion in the latest Republic of Ireland senior squad after less than 30 minutes of game time for Southampton's first team and could make his debut against Northern Ireland this evening.
"Due to current speculation surrounding Michael Obafemi and as Michael's representatives, we would like to go on record to say that we are not in talks with either Nigeria or England, nor is it something we have ever pursued,'' Playerworks CSM Agency said in a statement released on behalf of Obafemi.
"Since Mark O'Toole spotted Michael early on, he, along with the other staff at Ireland, have given Michael a great opportunity, which he has enjoyed immensely.
"Michael was born in Ireland, so this is the country he naturally wants to play for.
"Martin O'Neill has shown great faith in Michael and he wants to repay that faith by helping the team achieve success.
"Michael is 100 per cent committed to Ireland and is looking forward to an exciting future with the national team."
"Since Mark O'Toole spotted Michael early on, he, along with the other staff at Ireland, have given Michael a great opportunity, which he has enjoyed immensely.
"Michael was born in Ireland, so this is the country he naturally wants to play for.
"Martin O'Neill has shown great faith in Michael and he wants to repay that faith by helping the team achieve success.
"Michael is 100 per cent committed to Ireland and is looking forward to an exciting future with the national team."
The Football Association of Ireland has published a photo on Twitter showing an Ireland jersey with Obafemi's name and the number 20 inscribed on it.
Igho Kingsley
Latest News
- 'Extraordinary' - Oliseh hails Ancelotti, Vinicius Jr. after Real Madrid's dramatic win against Bayern
- Hilary Gong open to MLS move after Toronto FC missed out on signing him in primary transfer window
- Finidi sweating on fitness of Fenerbahce RB Osayi-Samuel ahead of Super Eagles squad announcement
- Manchester United join Newcastle, Chelsea and Tottenham in race for Nigerian central defender
- Olympics could begin new era for Nigeria women's soccer
- Denmark coach reveals he has visited Obi-Martin at Arsenal ahead of 2024 U17 EURO
- Official: 34yo Nigerian striker with 105 career goals in EFL released by Colchester United
- Report highlights why Ajax striker Akpom is a very interesting player for several PL clubs
- Report: Chelsea retain a strong interest in signing former Super Eagles invitee
- Retained and released list: Reading make contract decisions on three Nigerians including Paul Mukairu
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