Reports from several sources claimed that top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are mounting pressure on Osijek of Croatia youth team central defender, Uwem Alexander to make himself available for Nigeria instead of the place of his birth, Croatia.
Alexander is born to a Nigerian father and a Croatian mother on May 20th, 2002 but was given birth in Croatia which makes him available for both nations at the international level.
The 19-year-old defender has been turning heads for the junior team of Osijek after he broke into the team last season playing 13 games including 11matches in the start team.
Reports available indicated that the NFF has already detailed its Technical department to make enquiries about him and ensures he turns up for Nigeria’s Under 20 team- the Flying Eagles for a start to fend him away from the clutches of Croatia Football Federation.
Alexander was on for the entire 90 minutes in Osijek B’s first game of the season in the Croatian 2nd League in their 4-1 away win at NK Sesvete on Friday.
With his bright start to his second season in the Osijek B side, it has been gathered that the Croatian Football Authorities are also considering the young defender for their Under 21 team if he remains consistent and stays injury-free.
Sources close to the defender hinted that the consummate player is concerned about playing regularly for Osijek B with the hindsight of breaking into the main team of the club before the end of the current season and that he wished not to be drawn into where his allegiance lies between both nations for now.
