Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has moved on from trying to lure Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu with another option now firmly in his sight, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Atubolu who has been capped by Germany at various youth levels is still eligible to play for Nigeria and his recent run of form with ten clean sheets in 24 games, including not conceding in six consecutive games has reignited talks over his international future.
However the 22 year old who is currently old injured is firmly focused on getting into the German setup, and despite being proud of his Nigerian heritage his aim is to move up the grade and be a senior international with Germany rather than Nigeria.
That decision is largely why he has shunned all previous advances to play for Nigeria, and Chelle has been made aware of the history with him forcing him to settle for a new option in Arthur Okonkwo of English League One side Wrexham.
The 23 year old has been a revelation this season for the promotion chasing side with 15 clean sheets as they close in on a sealing a spot in the English Championship. They are presently second behind leaders Birmingham.
Okonkwo who has represented England at various youth levels will meet with Chelle next month when the Super Eagles play the four nations invitational tournament in England. Already contacts have been established with him and his representative on the idea.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
