Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro and his entourage will be in Germany in the coming days to begin switch of allegiance talks with goalkeeper Noah Atubolu npflupdates.com reports.
Also read: Peseiro : I Don’t Like This Match, We Are Supposed To Score 8 Goals
Atubolu has been in the spotlight this season after establishing himself as Freiburg’s first choice goalkeeper. The 21-year-old Germany Youth international is eligible to represent Nigeria internationally through his parents, as well as Germany as his place of birth.
And the race to securing his international allegiance is already on between Nigeria and Germany, as the latter already have him as it’s U-21 goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is not backing out of the race either, as it’s Super Eagles currently faces a goalkeeping challenges with the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON), less than 90 days to kick-off.
Nigerians no longer have faith in first choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, after he’s made a lot of mistakes leading to opponent goals; with the most recent ones coming last Friday after he howled a harmless free-kick into his own net against Saudi Arabia’s Green Falcons.
Also on Monday the Omonia Nicosia goalie, miscalculated leading to Mozambique’s opened against Super Eagles in a friendly match. Though, Peseiro is keeping faith in Uzoho, he cannot afford to have all his eggs in one basket, hence his decision to try and convince Atubolu.
Also read: Uzoho Remains Super Eagles No1 No Room For New Recruit – Peseiro
Although the Portuguese tactician told Germany-based Journalist Oma Akatugba that getting Atubolu within a short available time before the AFCON won’t be very easy.
In a related development, Atubolu has come under serious criticism by German professionals following his recent poor form in goal.
What was said about Atubolu in Germany
The youngster, was blamed for Mats Hummels’ second goal in Freiburg’s 4-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund few weeks ago; as he appeared hesitant to come out and make a save.
Also in the Europa League outing against West Ham United, a mistake by Atubolu allowed Nayef Aguerd to strike home the winning goal with just twenty five minutes to go.
However, SC Freiburg coach, Streich is standing by Atubolu who appears to be the youngest goalkeeper to feature in the Bundesliga this season at 21 years and 86 days.
“Only people who don’t see it would turn it into a goalkeeper discussion,” Streich was quoted as saying by German broadcaster Südwestrundfunk.
“No matter whether it’s success or supposed failure, sometimes it’s just good for a young player like this to let a game sink in first instead of running from one interview to the next and perhaps getting lost.”
Also read:Â 2 Important Things To Takeaway As Super Eagles Draw Saudi Arabia
“It’s about protection. He’s sitting in the car, that’s why you have to pay a little attention to guys like that,” he added.
So far this season, Atubolu has conceded seventeen goals in ten matches as he continues to help his team challenge for the Bundesliga title.
