Germany have included Sidney Sam for their upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and the United States, damaging Nigeria's hopes of persuading the player to switch national allegiance.
The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder was born to a German mother and Nigerian father and has not played a full international for Germany,
The 25-year-old has played for Germany only at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, making him still eligible to play for the African champions.
And the Nigeria Football Federation had said it was confident of selecting Sam for June's Confederation Cup tournament in June.
Spokesman Ademola Olajire told BBC Sport that the NFF was waiting for Sam to send two documents to submit a presentation to world football's governing body Fifa and obtain clearance for him to play for the Super Eagles.
It now appears that Sam has opted to play for Germany instead, although he could still change his mind as the 29 May game against Ecuador and the meeting with USA three days later are not competitive matches.
Also related to this story
- Nigeria want Sam for Confed Cup 23 Apr 2013 African Football (http://www.theinfostride.com/sport/0/football/african/)
- Nigeria hope to pick Sam in March 07 Dec 2012 African Football (http://www.theinfostride.com/sport/0/football/african/)
- Nigeria run out of time for Sam 27 Nov 2012 African Football (http://www.theinfostride.com/sport/0/football/african/)
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Via: BBC