The decision of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate to join Real Madrid has opened the door for one of the young centre backs in the team’s youth team setup to be given a chance in the first team, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
New coach Andoni Iraola will use the pre season training camp to assess young defenders in the youth setup of the team, before making a definite decision on the signing of an experienced centre back.
Iraola has a list of six young defenders at the club to pick from, out of which three are of Nigerian descent and eligible to play for the senior national team of Nigeria.
Top of the list is Wellington Lucky, the 20 year old defender who was born in Spain but has already commit his international future to Nigeria.
Another Nigerian on the list is Noah Adekoya, the 19 year old joined the team for free in the January transfer window after leaving Burnley. Born in England, he is eligible for Nigeria and hasn’t been capped at any level by both countries.
Completing the list is another January signing in Ifeanyi Ndukwe who was signed from Austrian side Austria Vienna, and will join the team in the summer.
The 18 year old has already represented Austria from U-17 to U-21, but still qualifies for Nigeria through his parents.
The list of six also has 18 year old Senegalese defender Mor Talla Ndiaye and 20 year old French defender Jeremy Jacquet, who will officially join the team in the summer from French Ligue 1 side Rennes.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
