MEET 12-year-old dubbed to be next super eagles star
– 12-year-old Dordrecht FC star Lateef Omidiiji set to be drafted into Nigeria U15 side
– Lateef Omidiiji could spark a bidding war between Nigeria and the US
– Lateef hopes to represent Nigeria likes his heroes Rasheed Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Mutiu Adepoju
One of Nigeria’s youngsters Lateef Omidiiji has continued to make headlines in faraway Netherlands
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According to reports, the 12-year-old who plays for the Under-14 team of Netherlands second division side Dordrecht FC could bid war between Nigeria and the US over his choice of nationality.
However, Lateef Omidiiji has a place reserved for him in the Nigeria U15 side based on first hand scouting by its coach Danladi Nasidi.
Speaking to Goal.com, Nasidi said: “He has speed, focus, the technique is so good, the tactical approach is fine and he has the physical ability. These things combine to make a good footballer.
“He’s a small boy and if he comes to play for Nigeria, it will be good for Nigeria.
“Many countries are interested in him, but since I’m monitoring his activities, I want to make sure we get hold of him before any other country.”
It was gathered that Lateef Jr. is currently leading scoring at his youth side despite being two years younger than his teammates and opponents and according to the young lad, he hopes to represent Nigeria someday like his heroes Rasheed Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Mutiu Adepoju.
One of Nigeria’s youngsters Lateef Omidiiji has continued to make headlines in faraway Netherlands.
He said: “Although I have received interest from USA Football, my heart lies with my fatherland and I’m hopeful of a call up from the coach Nasidi-led U13s/U15s this year.
“Since coming to the Netherlands, they have turned me into a more versatile player so coming from the United States as a number 9, they’ve taught me how to play 7, 8, 9 and 10 so I can play four positions.
“Right wing, left wing, centre mid and striker, they call me speedy here in Holland because of my speed but what I’m most proud about is my technical ability.
“I am proud to be able to combine my natural Nigerian style with what I learned in America and what I’m now learning in the Netherlands.”
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His father also wants him to play for Nigeria despite the interest from the United States and its alluring potentials.
Omidiiji said: “I love my nation and I put that love of Nigeria in my kids very early. I tell them you are not just American, you’re Nigerian-American.
“He has received an invite from the Nigerian U13/U15 coach who watched him play and was impressed with his eye for goal, speed and technique. He is also quite strong which is why he has always played 1-2 years up in age groups to get challenged.”
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