Nigerian Messi Lands In Liverpool For Start Of Pre-Season, World Cup-Winning Talents Excused

Three England youth internationals of Nigerian descent will not be available for the start of Liverpool's pre-season training on Wednesday, July 5.

Midfielders Ovie Ejaria and Sheyi Ojo, and new recruit Dominic Solanke were given an extended vacation due to their involvement with the Young Lions at the Fifa U20 World Cup.

Ibadan-born Netherlands youth international Bobby Adekanye has already flown to the United Kingdom, according to his father Ademola Adekanye.

With several internationals expected to return to Melwood later in the month, it remains to be seen if the talented winger will train with the first team or the U23s.

''Bobby is already in Liverpool for pre-season training, I think they will start training next week,'' Ademola Adekanye told allnigeriasoccer.com.

Liverpool will face Tranmere Rovers, Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace, Hertha BSC, Bayern Munich and Athletic Club as part of their build-up to the new season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel