The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is considering opening talks to convince Liverpool winger, Jordon Ibe, to play for the country’s national team, supersport.com can report.
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Ibe has already represented England at Under-18, 19 and 20 levels since 2012, but the Nigerian FA has in the past weeks discussed the matter of approaching the 19-year-old of possibly featuring for the Super Eagles.
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A member of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Victor Ikepba, this week, revealed the football federation is mulling over offering Ibe a full international career.
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Ikpeba, a former Nigerian international, explained why he believes that Ibe will be a good addition to the national team.
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“The federation is looking at Jordon Ibe,” Ikpeba revealed on SuperSport TV magazine programme, Monday Night Football. “We need to change our philosophy and bring in these young players to help out especially after we missed out of the Africa Cup of Nations.”
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In August 2013, out-of-contract Nigeria manager, Stephen Keshi told supersport.com of his interest in Ibe and promised to follow up on the development of the teenager.
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“I’ve been told he (Ibe) is a very good prospect with potential to become one of the best wingers in the world. I have not had time to watch him in any of his club’s games but definitely I will do so this season,” said Keshi at that time.
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But the NFF will have to show intensity and passion in luring the teenager from under the noses of the England FA if the recent words of his Liverpool teammate and close friend, Daniel Sturridge, are to be considered.
“Go follow Jordon Ibe. He is the future of LFC and England,” Sturridge stated on Twitter.
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Ibe is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles by virtue of his Nigerian parents, and having yet to be capped by England at senior level.
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