‘Nigeria has Boniface, Osimhen’ – Red-hot Dutch-born striker Zirkzee now open to representing Super Eagles 

Red-hot striker Joshua Zirkzee has discussed the possibility of representing the Super Eagles with him being eligible to play for Nigeria through one of his parents.

The Bologna central forward was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and a Nigerian mother and currently represents his country of birth. 

He presently plays for the Netherlands U21s with whom he has made 19 appearances,  registering seven goals and three assists.

The 22-year-old is pushing to break into the senior team but faces serious competition from Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, Atletico Madrid’s Memphis Depay, Borussia Dortmund winger Donyell Malen, and a host of other senior attackers. 

Zirkzee, while speaking to Algemeen Dagblad via soccernews, revealed that he was open to playing for Nigeria if he doesn’t receive a call-up from the Netherlands senior team.

“But Nigeria is not a country that you just choose because you cannot play for your homeland. The competition there for attackers is perhaps just as great as in the Dutch team. 

“Nigeria has Boniface from Leverkusen and Osimhen from Napoli. And they have many more attackers.

“It’s not like I can think for a moment: The Netherlands isn’t calling, then I’ll choose Nigeria. Are they even pulling on me? Maybe.

“But my dream has always been the Dutch national team. And the European Championships are not necessarily a crossroads. Like, if that doesn’t happen then, I’ll look further. 

“I’d be grateful if it did happen. If not, I have to make sure they call me. You hope to be there one day.”

Zirkzee will also have competition to face if he gets a call-up to the Super Eagles, with Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Paul Onuachu already in the side.

The Bayern Munich academy product has become one of the most sought-after players in European football following his impressive performances for Bologna in the Serie A this season.

He is on the radar of Premier League giants Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea while Serie A clubs Napoli and AC Milan are also monitoring him.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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