Not much has been heard about the proposed switch of allegiance to Nigeria from Russia by Amkar Perm left full back Brian Idowu despite reports of his interest in playing for Nigeria.
Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr meet with Idowu twice last year, with the manager confirming in November last year that he will visit the player in Russia.
” I have it in my plans to visit Ola Aina and his father again in England very soon and Brian Idowu in Russia”, Rohr said on the 11th of November 2016 while discussing players with dual nationality he is in talks with over switch of allegiance to Nigeria.
However since then nothing has been heard about him, and despite reports linking him with a possible call up to the squad for the dead rubber World Cup 2018 Qualifiers tie against Algeria, a source said it doesn’t look likely for now.
” For now it doesn’t look like it will happen, but we keep hoping because the coach (Rohr) likes him a lot. I think his case is a bit complex in the sense that he needs to rescind his Russian citizenship before he can get a Nigerian passport “, the source told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” Idowu is no doubt talented but for now he doesn’t look like one of the priority of Rohr to be honest. Ola Aina and Tyronne Ebuehi are younger and ready to replace Elderson Echiejile when the need arises”, he remarked.
Osas Mahawi
