The U21 coach of Ireland Jim Crawford says West Ham United teen sensation Mipo Odubeko has turned down the chance of representing Ireland as he awaits a call up from Nigeria.
The coach said the 18 year old who is viewed by many as the next big thing to emerge from the West Ham Academy said there is a high chance that Odubeko want to play for Nigeria and not Ireland.
According to reports in Ireland,Nigeria have already contacted the camp of the forward who is reportedly unhappy at being left out of the U17 squad of Ireland for the European Championship two years ago.
Crawford said he intends to sit and speak with the forward to formally hear why he turned down the chance to be a part of the U21. Coach of the senior national team of Ireland Stephen Kenny is also waiting on him to make a decision.
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“That could happen but that’s out of our control,” Crawford said today when asked about a Nigerian charm offensive as the reason why Odupeko shunned the invitation.
“All we can do is to make sure that every player, no matter what their background is, every time they come into an Irish camp, they love putting on the green jersey and love being around the place.”
