Ireland squads announcement: Five Nigerians called up including Celtic loanee, Cork City record breaker

The Football Association of Ireland have announced the youth teams rosters for international matches this month, with five Nigeria-eligible players receiving call-ups.

Jim Crawford, the head Coach of the Republic of Ireland U21s, has announced a squad of 24 players for their upcoming UEFA U21 European Championship qualifier against San Marino this week.

Versatile Glasgow Celtic-owned central defender Bosun Lawal headlines a list of four players of Nigerian descent summoned for the Euro qualifier. 

The Fleetwood Town starlet is joined in the squad by a player with an Arsenal connection in Armstrong Okoflex, Wigan Athletic midfielder Baba Adeeko and talented Crystal Palace loanee Tayo Adaramola. 

The aforementioned players are all provisionally cap-tied to the Republic of Ireland and could add to their international caps at youth level on March 22 when the Boys in Green take on San Marino at the San Marino Stadium, kickoff 1800 hours Nigerian time.

At U17 level, Jaden Umeh has been named in Ireland's 20-man squad for the European Championship Elite Round qualifiers taking place in Portugal (March 20-26).

History making forward Jaden is the younger brother of Crystal Palace youth team striker Franco Umeh.

On November 3, 2023, Jaden Umeh made his senior debut against Bohemians, becoming the youngest player ever to do so for Cork City at the age of just 15 years and 230 days.

Ireland U17s will face Portugal (March 20), Germany (March 23), and Croatia (March 26) in Group 5 as they aim to qualify for their second consecutive European Championship.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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