Potential Super Eagles loss: Noah Atubolu Earns First Senior Call-Up to German National Team
The German Football Association has announced the invitation of Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu to the national team for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Atubolu, 23, has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Bundesliga over the last two seasons. Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, he has long been on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation, who hoped he would switch allegiance to represent the Super Eagles.
Despite Nigeria’s interest, Atubolu has remained committed to Germany, representing the country at under-21 level. His latest call-up to the senior national team suggests that any chance of him playing for Nigeria may now be over.
The Freiburg goalkeeper was not on coach Julian Nagelsmann’s original list for the qualifiers, but was added after Oliver Baumann, one of the main goalkeepers, fell ill.
Under FIFA rules, Atubolu could still represent Nigeria since he has only played for Germany at youth level. However, once he features in a competitive match for the German senior team, he will be permanently tied to them.
Losing Atubolu would be a setback for Nigeria, as the young shot-stopper is regarded as one of the most talented goalkeepers of his generation and arguably stronger than the current options in the Super Eagles squad.
