The amendment of the eligibility rule by world football governing body FIFA has made it possible for most players to switch nationality despite representing another country at senior level, OwnGoalNigeria.comreports .

In late 2020, FIFA announced at its 70th annual congress that the eligibility rules had been updated, in what administrators have described as the “first wholesale modernisation” of the rules, with added codification and clarification.

In particular, FIFA has added three new exceptions whereby a player may change the national team they play for.

First, it is now possible for a player to change national team even if they have played competitively at senior level, provided:

1. the player held the nationality of their new association at the time of their first official appearance for their first national team.
the player played in no more than three competitive senior games before the age of 21.
2. the player has not played in the final stage of an official tournament such as the World Cup, European Championship, Copa America etc.
at least three years have passed since the player’s last senior appearance for their previous national team.

3. the player has not played in the final stage of an official tournament such as the World Cup, European Championship, Copa America etc.
at least three years have passed since the player’s last senior appearance for their previous national team.

Second, a player can now change to a new national team even if they did not hold that nationality at the time of their first appearance for their old national team, as long as they last played for the old national team before the age of 21.

It should be noted that there is an exception underpinned by the principle of legal certainty, whereby the age limit of 21 does not apply to players who played their last match for their old national team prior to September 18, 2020, when the new rules were introduced.

Finally, a competitive cap will not keep a player tied to a national team in the event that they suddenly become stateless – that is, lose their nationality – against their will.

It is on the basis of the above that many thought that Karim Adeyemi who is of Nigerian descent and has displayed his affection to the West African country can apply for a switch, despite representing Germany four times at senior level.

Snubbed by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann for the Euros, many are of the opinion that he should use the new rule to consider a switch to Nigeria, it is now confirmed that he ran foul of all the provisions in the amendment meaning he can’t play for Nigeria. ” Adeyemi can’t play for Nigeria. It’s an idea that was mooted two months ago but his lawyers confirmed that he can’t make the switch. So it’s Germany or no international football for him. He is however still very committed to Nigeria by heart”, a close source to the player told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and newly appointed coach of the team Finidi George are in disagreement over where the team should camp ahead of the world cup qualifiers game against South Africa in Uyo, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Nigeria go into the game against South Africa on the 7th of June needing a win to move up the log after back to back draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe respectively left them third in the group, behind their opponents.

A win is needed to put the heat on the surprise group leaders Rwanda, and both Finidi and the NFF are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to ensure that the team gets the best form of preparation ahead of the game.

While the NFF wants the team to fly directly to Uyo for the game, the new coach is of the opinion that for logistics reasons Abuja is best for the team as camp before flying to Uyo at least three days before the game.

Finidi’s argument is tha players flying directly to Uyo might cause a delay in preparations as they will have to land either in Lagos or Abuja before connecting to Uyo, which is dependent on the availability of flight but holding a training camp in Abuja will eradicate any of such concerns.

For now the NFF are leaning more to the idea of the coach but a definite decision isn’t reached yet with the board insisting on the players holding their camp in Uyo to get used to the weather, and also there won’t be much distractions from players families and friends unlike Abuja.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The future of out of favour Nigeria international midfielder Kelechi Nwakali at relegated Portuguese side Chavez is in doubt following his act of indiscipline in the game where their relegation to the second division was confirmed, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Nwakali was subbed off at half time in their 0-1 loss to Famalicao , a result which condemned them to relegation to the second division. He was pictured using his phone on the substitute bench and it has drawn annoyance from the hierarchy of the club.

In their game against Sporting Lisbon which they lost 0-3, the 25 year old wasn’t listed in the matchday squad for the first time this season, and reports in Portugal has it that it is connected to the disciplinary measures the club is taking about him.

According to the reports he has been banished from the first team until a decision is taken on his act of indiscipline. He still has a year to go on his deal at the club after joining last summer from Spanish side second division side Ponferradina.

He is no stranger to controversies as he was axed by  Huesca due to a similar act of indiscipline, when he returned late to the club after representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. His contract was subsequently terminated.

Ade Emmanuel

The father of hot in demand 17 year old striker George Osrzehmen Ilenikhena has opened the door for his son to pick the senior national team of Nigeria ahead of France, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

George was Born in Lagos but grew up in France making him eligible for both countries, however he is yet to be capped by any of the countries at any level but that might change soon after his explosive season for Antwerp in Belgium.

Signed in the summer form second division French side Amiens SC, he has hit 14 goals this season in all competitions including the winner in a historic 3-2 win over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. That form has led to talks about a possible move in the summer with Inter Milan reportedly keen on his services.

His international future is one that is up for grabs and in the words of a source close to the father of the teen forward, his desire is to see him wear the colors of the senior national team of Nigeria in the nearest future.

” The father of George is like most people back home. His desire is to his son play for Nigeria and he is keen on making it happen however you have to also consider what the boy wants as well. In the future I believe it is more of playing for Super Eagles than France”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com in an interview.

Osas Mahawi

As the new coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Finidi George settles down into his new post , a call has been made to him for the return of Maduka Okoye as the number one goalkeeper of the team, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Okoye held the position of first choice all through the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup and at the following AFCON in Cameroon. He was roundly criticized for the goal Nigeria conceded in the round of 16 game against Tunisia, which led to their exit from the tournament.

He stayed away from the team for the World Cup Qualifiers playoff and in his absence which he extended to the last AFCON, a new shot stopper in Stanley Nwabali emerged and was one of the stars of the Nigerian team that went all the way to the final where they were beaten 1-2 by the host Cote d’Ivoire.

Nwabali displaced Francis Uzoho and now firmly holds the position, but former Nigeria junior international Monday Kanu says it’s time to bring back Okoye, who has shown his willingness to be back in the fold after keeping goal in 20 consecutive Serie A games for Udinese, who are now safe from relegation.

“For me, the choice falls squarely between Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye. Based on their recent performances, the keeper jersey seems to favour Okoye, who has been in impressive form for Udinese, showcasing his skills and consistency in goal for the club. Nwabali has also been outstanding for both club and country, but Okoye is a more refined keper,” said the former Bendel Insurance Julius Berger FC player in an interview with Punch Extra.

“While Nwabali has shown flashes of brilliance, Okoye’s current form and confidence make him the stronger contender for the No. 1 spot. Okoye’s ability to command the box, distribute the ball effectively, and make decisive saves will earn him the nod ahead of Nwabali. On the other hand, based on the latest outing for the Super Eagles, the pendulum appears to tilt to Nwabali if we go by the cliché that says if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” added the 1992 graduate of the prestigious Howard University, Washington, DC, USA.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

One cap Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru says he didn’t expect to make his senior international bow for Nigeria ahead of his elder brother Tom Dele-Bashiru who plays for English Championship side Watford, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Fisayo made his international debut for Nigeria in the 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia in an international friendly game after excelling for Hatayaspor in the Turkish top division.

The 23 year old was snubbed in the list of players for the Africa Cup of Nations, but staged a return to the team for the recent international friendly games against Ghana and Mali respectively, although he didn’t get a minute from any of the games.

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Dele-Bashiru who is linked with a move away said he still has butterflies in his stomach over his debut for the team revealing how he thought his elder brother will get the nod ahead of him.

” You know my elder brother ( Tom) played for the U20s at the World Cup in 2019 and also for the U23s at the AFCON. So I was thinking he is closer to the senior team than me but boom I got in ahead of him. It still feels unreal till date when I remember it”, the former Manchester City trainee revealed.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The doubts over the availability of Victor Osimhen for the Super Eagles 2026 World Cup Qualifiers has heightened in recent days with the forward set to play no part for Napoli in today’s Serie A game against Fiorentina, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Osimhen is battling with a muscular discomfort picked up recently and all hope of the forward shaking off the knock for today’s game went up in smoke yesterday. The muscle problem happened on Thursday leading to his exclusion from the squad for today’s game.

It has cast doubts over his availability for Nigeria when they resume their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with games against South Africa and Benin Republic respectively. Nigeria are currently third in their group behind South Africa and surprise group leaders Rwanda.

The availability of the Napoli man will be key to Nigeria getting their campaign back on track after back to back draws in the series against Lesotho and Zimbabwe respectively.

Napoli has revealed that the Super Eagles number one striker isn’t badly injured as feared and he is already undergoing fitness work in the gym to prepare him for his return in their last game of the league against Lecce on the 26th of May.

It means Osimhen who has 17 goals and four assists in 31 games this season will be available for the games unless something negative happens in the match against Lecce.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The newly appointed coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Finidi George has made late adjustments to the list of players who will represent Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers game against South Africa and Benin Republic respectively, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Finidi will lead the Super Eagles for the first time in a competitive game in June following his permanent appointment as the coach of the team on a one year deal with the option of a further year, if he gets to the semi final of the next Africa Cup of Nations.

Ahead of the game, the coach sent provisional invitation to 35 players with a final 25 man list set to be picked from it by the weekend.  However there is a late change to the final list per what we exclusively gathered.

” A few changes will be made to the squad for the game. The changes are due to injuries and availability of some players and plans for the games. After this weekend round of games, the list will be made public”, a source close to the coach revealed.

Meanwhile as we exclusively reported, the list will see a return to the team for team’s talisman Victor Boniface as well as Taiwo Awoniyi. Two players who missed out on a chance of playing at the AFCON due to injury.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The Nigeria U17 team got their campaign at the ongoing WAFU B U17 championship with a 0-0 draw against Burkina Faso yesterday, OwngoalNigeria.com reports.

Both teams cancelled out each other for the entirety of the game, but it wasn’t all gloom and doom for the Nigerian team as our editor in chief Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman picks the five players who distinguished themselves for the Nigerian team.

1. Simon Cletus – Deservedly got voted as the man of the match. The captain of the Nigerian team showed his class in the game and if not for some wayward finish when through on goal, no thanks to the poor nature of the pitch, he could easily have gotten a goal or two.

2. Abdulwaris Yunus – An emerging ball playing defender who isn’t scared of carrying the ball to the opposition half. Won all his tackles and aerial duels. Such a commanding performance he had.

3. Abdulmuiz Oladimeji – Produced a peach of a pass to release top striker Rapha Adams who surprisingly fluffed his effort with the goalkeeper at his mercy. Full of energy and running he bossed the center of the park for Nigeria.

4. Rapha Adams – Unlucky not to get a goal for his efforts. A tireless runner who ran the channel really well with his link up play and close ball control. A bit nervous in front of goal but that is expected considering his age.

5. Chinedu Dominic – He didn’t have much to do in goal but stood tall when he was needed by the team. Claimed crosses with ease and understood how best to cope with the wet surface by electing to punch instead of hold on to the ball in that condition.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleman

The newly appointed assistant coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Benjamin James has given his opinion on the duo of Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

James who is currently the U15 coach of German side Hoffenheim was appointed as one of five assistants of new coach of the Nigerian team Finidi George. He will serve as first assistant with Daniel Amokachi as the second assistant.

In an interview the former Shooting Stars defender who was nicknamed Olopa in his playing days was asked to speak on the difference between the duo of Osimhen and Boniface, who are by far the two hottest players in the attack of the team.

Both of them are expected to be among the players who will represent Nigeria, when the world cup qualifiers resumes in June with the game against South Africa in Uyo. James gave his opinion on the duo.

“Players have different characters,” he said. “They have their different style of play.”

“I would use Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface as an example. Osimhen is not the creative type but he is a finisher. Boniface can create and finish because he is good in One-on-one situations”, he stated.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman