South African U-17 player, Michael Dokunmu has expressed anticipation ahead of AFCON U-17 clash against Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets.
Michael Dokunmu was born in South Africa to a Nigeria father and South African mother. So he’s eligible to represent both Nigeria and S’Africa. And it seems he’s chosen the latter.
Because South Africa U-17 coach, Duncan Crowie, named the youngster in the squad for the AFCON U-17 in Algeria.
Reacting for the inclusion, the SBV Vitesse Arnhem player said he really loved South Africa. And that he also feel comfortable playing for the country of his place of birth.
Michael Dokunmu Explains Why He Chose S’Africa Over Nigeria
” I chose South Africa because it’s my birth place,” he said in an interview.
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“I chose South Africa because I am more comfortable playing for my birth place. And because I really love South Africa and it was one of my dreams.
” Also one of my goals to get called up to the national team and from here the U-17 team and then gradually going on to make my debut for the national first team (Bafana Bafana).”
Vitesse midfielder Michael Dokunmu, who has a Nigerian Dad, on picking 🇿🇦U17s over🇳🇬: "I chose #SouthAfrica because it’s my birth place. I am more comfortable playing for my birth place and because I really love South Africa and it was one of my dreams & goals to get called up.." pic.twitter.com/4hcRVFYbvu
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) April 20, 2023
And according to teenager, he is looking forward and hungry to playing against Morocco and Nigeria. He exercised confident that his team can beat Nigeria when they clash in Algeria.
” I am looking forward to playing against Morocco and also Nigeria (at AFCON U17), that’s going to be something, but I am really hungry to play against them. I am confident in my team & also myself.”
Nigeria will face South Africa at the Mohammed Hamaloui Stadium on May 6 in Constantine.
Nigeria will also come up against Morocco and Zambia at the biennial tournament. And if the Golden Eaglets reach the semi-final, they will qualify for the next edition FIFA U-17 world cup.
Recall, Nigeria qualified for the AFCON U-17 after winning the WAFU B tournament in Ivory Coast last year.
