Caleb Okoli: I will play for Nigeria if I don’t get Italy call-up

22-year old Frosinone centre-back Caleb Okoli has said he will consider playing for Nigeria if he does not get a call-up to represent his adopted country Italy.

Okoli holds double citizenship, a Nigerian by parentage and Italian by birth, having been born and bred in the European country.

The defender joined newly promoted Serie A side Frosinone on loan from Atalanta on transfer deadline day having failed to hold down a starting shirt at the club where Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman currently stars.

As quoted by Napoli Magazine, Okoli who is yet to make a competitive appearance for Frosinone has his eyes fixed on representing the Azzuri at full international level with the Super Eagles of Nigeria a backup if the Italy call-up doesn’t materialize.

He said ” I often talk to my parents about this. I think I’m lucky to have this double chance.

“For now, I’m thinking about playing and hitting the team goal, then the national team will be a consequence.

” I hope for a call from Spalleti and to play with the Italian national team which is of the highest level in the future.

” If the call from Italy doesn’t arrive, I could make the decision on the Nigerian national team. ” Okolo remarked.

His comments will come as a blow to Nigerians whose Head Coach Jose Peseiro had in 2022 mentioned the possibility of having Caleb Okoli represent the Nigeria national team.

To come in as a backup option to Italy will mean the Super Eagles of Nigeria waiting for the defender to give up on his dreams of representing Italy.