Two Nigerian-eligible prospects, Callum Olusesi and Damola Ajayi, were unused substitutes as Tottenham Hotspur fell 4-0 to Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi final. Liverpool’s dominant display, featuring goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk, overturned Spurs' first-leg advantage and secured their place in the final against Newcastle United at Wembley.
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Olusesi, a standout midfielder, has gained attention this season with four goals in nine Premier League 2 appearances and a goal in two FA Youth Cup outings. He previously debuted in the UEFA Europa League against Hoffenheim, but he didn’t feature in this crucial cup tie despite Tottenham’s injury crisis.
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With both Olusesi and Ajayi eligible for Nigeria’s U20 team, they could be valuable assets for the Flying Eagles in the upcoming CAF U20 tournament. Following their victory in the WAFU Zone B tournament, Nigeria aims to bolster its squad, and these young talents may provide the edge needed for success.
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Editorial
The rise of Callum Olusesi and Damola Ajayi serves as another example of the depth of talent available to Nigeria. Their progress within Tottenham’s ranks and eligibility for the Flying Eagles highlight a growing trend dual nationality players representing major European clubs but remaining under consideration for Nigerian teams. We believe Nigeria must be proactive in securing these players before they commit to other nations, especially with high-profile tournaments like the CAF U20 event on the horizon.
Olusesi’s rapid development, marked by consistent goal scoring and a UEFA Europa League debut, shows that he is more than ready for international duties. His versatility as a midfielder makes him a valuable addition to any team, and the Flying Eagles could greatly from his creative play. Similarly, Ajayi’s potential could bolster the team’s depth, particularly in high stakes competitions where squad rotation is key.
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However, Nigeria’s football authorities need to act quickly. The competition for dual-nationality players is intense, and delays in call-ups or recognition could mean losing them to countries with more aggressive recruitment strategies. By integrating talents like Olusesi and Ajayi into youth or senior teams, Nigeria not only strengthens its current squads but secures its future football success.
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Let’s ensure that the Flying Eagles soar with the best of Nigerian talent.
Did You Know?
Tottenham Hotspur’s academy is known for producing stars like Harry Kane, who graduated to become the club’s all time leading scorer.
The EFL Cup, also known as the [Carabao](https://2d4chan.org/wiki/User:FreddiePittard7) Cup, was first held in 1960 and is considered England’s secondary domestic cup competition.
Liverpool have won the EFL Cup a record nine times, with their most recent win in 2022.
The Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s U20 team, have won the CAF U20 African Cup of Nations seven times, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
Dual-nationality players, such as William Troost-Ekong and Alex Iwobi, have played crucial roles in Nigeria’s recent football successes.