Nigerians Gaining Grounds in Europe
Nigerians players as of recently has been gaining traction from various clubs in Europe, and black players by extension. Nigerians has been rising to occasion at their various clubs from the defence, midfield and to the forward line.
The like of Victor Osimhen is the biggest story in the transfer window lately, as the Nigerian international is wanted by top EPL clubs, arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur
Another Nigerian player Destiny Udogie is also making waves in Italy is a promising top defender in Udinese, his stats has attracted the likes of Juventus and Inter Milan this summer, although the Udinese player had opted to play for the Italian U21 national team.
The 19-year-old has attracted interest from some top European teams with his eye-catching displays, but Udinese are unwilling to sell him
Udinese director Pierpaolo Marino has ruled out the possibility of Nigeria-eligible defender Destiny Udogie leaving this summer despite interest from Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan.
Born on November 28, 2002 to Nigerian parents in Verona, Italy, he came through the youth academy at Hellas Verona and featured in the senior squad for six Serie A matches in the 2020/21 campaign.
Udinese saw potential in the defender and signed him in July 2021 on a loan deal with an obligation to be bought outright from the Veronese side for €4 million.
Under both Luca Gotti and his successor Gabriele Cioffi, Udogie has operated as a left wing-back in the 3-5-2 formation and his role with the Zebrette has allowed him to utilize his pace as well as make runs towards the back post.
Udogie made 35 Serie A appearances for the Bianconeri last season, scoring five goals and assisting three.
The gifted 19-year-old raised eyebrows with his eye-catching performances. And there have been reports linking him with a transfer away from Dacia Arena.
West Ham, Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in the Hellas Verona man. However, the more probable destinations are either Juventus or Inter Milan.
Udinese Plays Tough for Udogie Suitors
Nonetheless, Udogie’s suitors could have a tough task luring the Nigeria-eligible fullback, as Udinese director Pierpaolo Marino insists that the club is not ready to let the youngster leave this summer.
“We’re not used to sell our talents after one season,” Marino told Fabrizio Romano when queried on Udogie’s situation.
Still, a move away from Udinese can not yet be ruled out, as he is currently valued at €17million as per transfer market. And Udinese could be forced to sell if a club meets their valuation of the youngster.
Udogie represents Italy, albeit the youth teams. But he is eligible to play for the Super Eagles as has Nigerian parents, and he is yet to play three games for the Italian senior team
Reports says Udogie is reconsidering his decision to play for the Italian senior national team, as he may choose to play for Super Eagles.