Leicester City defender Caleb Okoli says he was was disappointed not to have made his competitive debut for Italy following his maiden call up to the team by coach Luciano Spalletti during the last international round of games, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
It means Okoli who was tracked by the forner head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro is still eligible for the Super Eagles as he is of Nigerian descent.
Peseiro who led the Super Eagles for almost two years opened up in 2022 that he is keen on having the then 20 year old at Atalanta join his team, and even said he will see how Ademola Lookman can help in that regard.
Peseiro told TMW: “We want to convince him to play for Nigeria. We will try.
“After this friendly match against Portugal, there will be time to talk to him and to understand his decision. Whether he wants to play with us or not.
“I will talk to him through (Ademola) Lookman’s brokerage.
“I will show him my model, what I think of him, the project we can have together with Nigeria.”
Okoli turned his back on the proposal and got a first time call up from Italy , but didn’t make his debut with coach Spalletti leaving him on the bench for the entirety of the game against France and Israel respectively.
In an interview while discussing his time with the Italian team, the 23 year old opened up on his regret at not getting to play in either of the game.
“I have experienced some beautiful gatherings and the only regret I have is that I was not able to debut. However, I believe that being able to be part of this journey is also important and I am sure that in the future I will be able to debut”, he was quoted as saying by cronachedispogliatoio.it.
Despite the disappointment he took out time to praise Spalletti who he said have been helping him grow his game right from when he was on loan to Frosinone in the Italian Serie A.
“The coach had already come to talk to me when I was in Frosinone, last year. He explained some things to me about being a footballer and made me understand the responsibilities we have. He also gave me technical advice. It was truly a pleasure to be able to have that chat.”
Ade Emmanuel
