NFF Fail To Stop Highly-Rated Defender From Making Competitive Debut For Switzerland Senior Team

The Nigeria Football Federation have missed out on the services of highly-rated FC Basel defender Manuel Akanji.

The Swiss Football Association cap-tied Akanji when he was named in the starting lineup for Switzerland's 2-0 win over Faroe Islands in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Akanji was born in Wiesendangen near Winterthur 21 years ago to a Nigerian father and Swiss mom, and was undecided about his international future days leading up to the World Cup qualifier against Faroe Islands, with the Nigerian Federation doing everything possible to persuade him to represent the Super Eagles.

The 21-year-old's debut for Switzerland was eventful, and only the woodwork prevented him from scoring with a header  after a free-kick from Xherdan Shaqiri.

Akanji had caps for Switzerland at U20 and U21 level before playing his first competitive match for the seniors.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel