The first choice goalkeeper of the U21 team of Germany Noah Atubolu has explained why he is motivated to play for Germany ahead of the senior national team of Nigeria, who are reportedly keen on having him.
Born to a Nigerian father and a German mother, the 23 year old is eligible for both nations at senior level and last season after a breakthrough performance his international future became a hot topic with Nigeria pushing for him to switch his allegiance to the Super Eagles.
He saved 4 straight penalties last season setting a record in Bundesliga, which also includes ten clean sheets in 26 games, which helped Freiburg to secure a spot in next season’s Europa League.
However he decided to stay with the country of his birth and he is currently campaigning with their U21 at the ongoing UEFA Euros tournament, keeping goal in their first two games of the tournament so far.
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Asked about his chances of making it to the senior team of Germany, he revealed his motivation which is to be the first black goalkeeper to be in goal for the German team, a feat he feels is achievable because of the ages of those currently ahead of him in the senior team setup.
“Becoming the first black goalkeeper in Germany’s senior team would be something special; it’s never happened before. But it doesn’t really matter to me what colour someone’s skin is. In the end, performance should always be the deciding factor.”
Currently ahead of him in the senior team setup are goalkeepers who are all 30 and above namely Marc-André ter Stegen (33), Oliver Baumann (35) and Stefan Ortega (32) and Alexander Nübel who is the only goalkeeper under 30 (28).
“I’d say that now is a good time for me, because Manuel Neuer is no longer here and Marc-André ter Stegen probably won’t be playing for the national team for a very long time either. Back then, Neuer was the best in the world – but now we no longer have just one best goalkeeper, but several who are in the running. I think this could be an advantage for me”, said Atubolu about his chances in the future”.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
