Top-scoring player of Nigerian descent Europe's top 5 leagues: Should Nigeria make a move for Solanke? 

As the Super Eagles scan the talent horizon for alternatives to the current crop of centre-forwards in order to provide some squad depth, one player with Nigerian eligibility offers an intriguing proposition - Bournemouth goal machine Dominic Solanke.

With eleven goals in seventeen appearances in the Premier League, Solanke is the top-scoring player of Nigerian descent in Europe's top leagues, placing first ahead of Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface who is on ten goals.

The 26-year-old Chelsea academy graduate has unlocked the potential so many glimpsed in flashes during his days with the London giants and blossomed into an undisputed striking force in England's first tier.

While Solanke himself missed crucial development years bouncing between Chelsea and Liverpool's benches, he has added ruthless precision to compliment his power, pace and work rate that so enthused scouts early on.

Yet as Solanke's star rises brighter domestically, his international future remains unresolved despite representing the Three Lions once in an international friendly against Brazil back in 2017 where he came on as a 75th minute substitute for Jamie Vardy.

However, the former Liverpool man is still eligible to represent Nigeria and his Nigerian heritage has gone unexplored with the prospect of losing him to the Three Lions still looming as he awaits a first competitive cap.

Here is where the Super Eagles and manager Jose Peseiro must secure Solanke's allegiance.

Integrating another clinical finisher entering his prime without wavering national team ties would deepen Nigeria's options up front for years ahead.

Whether deployed as the attacking focal point or inside forward from wider areas, his dexterity suits systems to unlock deep lying defences.

Operating as a lone striker, his strength and clever movement provides an outlet to link counter attacks.

When paired alongside a quicker partner, Solanke expertly creates space before sliding into scoring areas undetected - a potentially devastating combo with Victor Osimhen and providing another mature attacking option upfront in the absence of Nigeria's main hitmen. 

As Peseiro surveys viable reinforcements to refresh his side's attack, the Bournemouth man undoubtedly deserves high priority.

While the country is blessed with an array of world class marksmen, the Super Eagles boss would be wise to plant more seeds by nurturing Solanke's Nigerian roots further to convince him into donning the green and white ahead of the World Cup in 2026.

Ejim Kaycee

Photo Credit: afcb.co.uk

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