How the lack of a Nigerian passport cost the Verona Super Eagles defender his job

Hellas Verona defender Daniel Oyegoke was a sure candidate for a late call-up to the Nigerian senior team for the upcoming friendlies against Poland and Portugal respectively, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Coach Eric Chelle was forced to look at options after a host of guest players withdrew from the game, including the team’s only right back, Bright Osayi-Samuel.

His retirement meant the team was forced to look for options at right-back, and Oyegoke, 23, who played 15 Serie A games for Hellas Verona, was one of the options.

The defender was available and will not require a visa to travel to Poland and Portugal respectively as he has a British passport, but is not eligible to play for Nigeria in an international friendly because he does not have a Nigerian passport.

That’s why Chelle looked to Genk defender Christian Akpan, who was man of the match on his first-team debut, and Abdullahi Bewene, who is coming off a very good season in the Czech Republic.

Both players can also play multiple roles, and that versatility won Chelle over, as they can also make up for other areas where other players won’t be available.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

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