Italy make another move to cap-tie Leicester City central defender eligible for Super Eagles

The Italian Football Federation have made another move to cap-tie Leicester City star Caleb Okoli as he has been called up for their UEFA Nations League games against Belgium and Israel. 

The central defender had earlier been called up by Luciano Spalleti for the Nations League fixtures with Israel and France last month but he was an unused substitute in both games, thereby still giving Nigeria a chance to secure his services.

However, Okoli won't be able to play for the Super Eagles any longer should he feature in any of the forthcoming games for the Gli Azzurri, as provided by the Fifa eligibility rules.

This is because he is above the age of 21, and the UEFA Nations League qualifies as a competitive tournament under the rules.

Okoli was born to Nigerian parents in Italy, where he started his career and has played for the U19s, U20s, and U21s before now.

The Atalanta Academy product joined Leicester City in July and has become a regular for Steve Cooper's side, having started the last four Premier League games.

Tottenham Hotspur fullback Destiny Udogie and Napoli midfielder Michael Folorunsho, who were eligible to play for Nigeria through their parents, have been successfully cap-tied by Italy.

The four-time world champions will take on Belgium at Rome's Stadio Olimpico before facing Israel at Stadio Friuli in Udine  four days later.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: figc.it

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