Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha may snub England to play for Nigeria in World Cup

30 March 2010 07:59
Nedum Onuoha has declared his aim to turn his back on England in order to go to the World Cup with Nigeria.[LNB]The Manchester City defender has captained England's Under-21 side, and played 21 times for them.[LNB] Soaring Eagle? Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha could end up facing Fernando Torres at the World Cup this summer.[LNB]But Nigeria-born Onuoha is eligible to play for the Super Eagles as he has never won a senior England cap - and he plans to switch allegiance as he fears being overlooked by Three Lions boss Fabio Capello.[LNB]'It will be flattering to be approached by Nigeria,' the 23-year-old said. 'No-one has spoken to me since the former manager Berti Vogts made an informal approach a couple of years ago.[LNB]'I follow Nigerian football all the time. I'm the same as any other person - if you are born there that's where your heart is. I have not been approached by any official from Nigeria but if I am, I will weigh up my options and consult my family.[LNB]'But it's more than a possibility that I will agree to play for the Eagles.'[LNB]Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback indicated he is ready to call Onuoha into his squad.[LNB]'I don't close my door on any player,' the Swede said. 'We have started taking a look at Nigerian players, and we will continue to look at the best players we can use for the World Cup.[LNB]'I already have a shortlist of 45 players we can choose from, who I believe are the best Nigeria has. Most of them are from Europe. Any player who is outside the list, young or old, wherever he is playing, has a chance to be in the team if he can show he is better than what I have.'[LNB] Manchester City 3 Wigan 0: Tevez hat-trick keeps Mancini's Champions League hopes aliveEriksson ordered to make Ivory Coast 'honourable' at the World Cup MANCHESTER CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail