Manchester United, Arsenal Super Kids Of Nigerian Descent Named In Ireland Squad

Published: May 16, 2018

Republic of Ireland U16 coach Paul Osam has named two players of Nigerian descent in a 20-man group for the upcoming upcoming UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament in Sweden.

Highly-rated Manchester United striker Ayodeji Sotona is in line to suit up for the Irish in games against Sweden, Austria and Turkey, and he's joined on the roster by Arsenal defender Mazeed Ogungbo.

Born February 12, 2002, defender Ogungbo is highly rated at Arsenal and made his competitive debut for the U18 team against Tottenham Hotspur in April despite being a schoolboy before making his full debut in their final game of the season against Chelsea exactly a week ago.

United's Sotona has already played for Ireland at U15 level and netted on his first start in their 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in February 2017.

The two players are eligible to represent the Golden Eaglets and it is known that the national team's scouts have been monitoring their performances in England.

Ex-Manchester United defender Paul McGrath is the most famous player of Nigerian descent to turn out for Ireland's senior team, he helped the country reach the quarterfinals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : mullingarathleticafc.com