Hellas Verona attacking playmaker, Michael Folorunsho reveals he was very close to switching his allegiance from Italy to Nigeria; npflupdates.com reports.
Michael Folorunsho, born in Italy to Nigerian parents is eligible to represent either Italy or Nigeria internationally.
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Folorunsho has been on top form for Verona since joining the outfit on loan from Serie A reigning champions SSC Napoli. He’s been able to contribute by scoring goals nor providing assists on several occasions.
The 26-year-old who for sometime has been on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), recently revealed he almost switched to Nigeria.
Based on a story by a representative of the former Lazio player, Michael Folorunsho was keen on playing at the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
But while he made efforts to play at the tournament in Nigerian colours, former Super Eagles coach José Peseiro thwarted the efforts.
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According to the representative, contact was established with Peseiro, but he’d go ahead to stop the process midway.
“Folorunsho was keen on playing at the AFCON and I tried to make it happen by texting the coach, he didn’t reply. When I called he picked and I introduced myself as a representative of Folorunsho and after a brief chat he promised to get back to me”, the representative told OwnGoalNigeria.com.
‘Days went by and I called him but he didn’t pick and didn’t return my calls. It was two weeks later that the list of Nigeria for the tournament was made public. That’s how we got to where we are at the moment”, he concluded.
Last week Michael Folorunsho earned his first invitation to the Italy seniro national team. He’s expected to bring his doggedness to the team and help them win matches.
In a related story, Bournemouth forward Philip Billing reveals the reason why he didn’t consider switching his allegiance from Denmark to Nigeria.
Billing was initially approached by Iwobi before an EPL fixture between Everton and Bournemouth last season.
According to the 27-year-old, he feels more of a Dane than a Nigerian despite have his father being from there.
“It wasn’t until when we [Bournemouth] were going to play against Everton a couple of weeks ago when Alex lwobi asked if I might be interested in coming and playing for Nigeria’ Billing told BT, as per Bournemouth Echo.
“He said the coach had asked me. It was the first time I heard anything concrete myself.
“It’s a pat on the back that another country would like you to play for them. I just take that as a shrug and proof that you are doing well.
“It would feel strange to have to play for Nigeria, even though my father is from there.
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“I am half Nigerian and I feel that way too but I was born and raised in Denmark. My mother is Danish and my sister is Danish, so it would feel strange to have to play for Nigeria.”
