Brian Idowu is facing the prospect of losing his starting spot at Russian side Amkar Perm following his debut for the senior national team of Nigeria in their 4-2 win over Argentina.
Idowu scored Nigeria’s third goal in the high profile friendly game which was played by both teams as part of their preparations for the World Cup in Russia next year.
The joy of playing and scoring for Nigeria on his debut could turn sour as he would lose his nationality status as a Russian when he plays in a competitive game for Nigeria, as he will need to give up his Russian citizenship.
Russian law forbids citizens from having dual nationality, hence if Idowu is to play for Nigeria in a competitive game, he will first need to renounce his Russian citizenship before he will be able to obtain a Nigerian passport.
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If that happens it means his club Amkar Perm will lose a Russian citizen and it could prove costly judging by the 6+5 rule for Russian clubs, which means only six foreign players and at least five Russian players are allowed to be on the pitch at the same time in a league game.
The player himself admitted after the game that his club Amkar Perm are a bit uncomfortable with his decision to switch allegiance to Nigeria, but for now it’s not an issue since he only played in a friendly game and not a competitive game.
Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr also said the foreign players limit in the Russian Premier League delayed Idowu’s debut for Nigeria as the issue made him stay away from the team when he was called up one year ago.
Osas Mahawi
