Highly-rated Charlton Athletic central defender Deji Elerewe has revealed that he is open to representing the Nigeria national teams if approached by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Born in Croydon, London, Elerewe was a key member of the Addicks squad that won the Professional Development League North title this season, conceding the least number of goals in the division.
Given the inroads the 17-year-old is making, his talent could catch the attention of the Nigeria Football Federation and English Football Association in the near future.
Asked where his international future lies, Elerewe told allnigeriasoccer.com :"Right now I am not one hundred percent certain but whenever the situation comes I will discuss it with my family.
"I will be proud to represent both countries if the opportunity arises."
"I will be proud to represent both countries if the opportunity arises."
Predominantly a central defender and standing at 6ft 3in, Elerewe's commanding presence at the heart of the Charlton Athletic U18 backline has seen him likened to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk due to his similar playing style.
The Anglo-Nigerian is also comfortable playing in midfield and as a fullback.
On his best position plus strengths and weaknesses, he said : "This season I have played center back, I can also play in midfield and fullback but my preferred position is center back.
"I find it easier to affect the game as it allows me to show off my range of passing and defensive ability.
"Aside from defending, I would say passing, positioning and the ability to read the game are key strengths to play every game.
"I would like to start scoring more goals especially in set-piece situations so I can affect the game even more in an attacking sense".
"I find it easier to affect the game as it allows me to show off my range of passing and defensive ability.
"Aside from defending, I would say passing, positioning and the ability to read the game are key strengths to play every game.
"I would like to start scoring more goals especially in set-piece situations so I can affect the game even more in an attacking sense".
Charlton Athletic have in their first-team ranks two players of Nigerian descent in onetime Nigerian Federation target Chuks Aneke, a product of Arsenal's Hale End Academy, and central defender Deji Oshilaja.
Elerewe has nothing but praise for Aneke adding that is being schooled by Oshilaja on how to become a better defender.
"I haven't spoken to Chuks Aneke before but I have seen him around the training ground with the first team. He has scored some crucial goals for Charlton and he's an exciting player to watch.
"I have had conversations with Deji Oshilaja when I was training with the first team, we follow each other on Instagram and he shows me the level I need to be at to play for Charlton," Elerewe added.
"I have had conversations with Deji Oshilaja when I was training with the first team, we follow each other on Instagram and he shows me the level I need to be at to play for Charlton," Elerewe added.
Elerewe has played nonstop at Charlton Athletic since U13 level after joining the club from Crystal Palace.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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