Noah Atubolu: Goalkeeper Missing in Germany Squad After Super Eagles Snub
- Noah Atubolu has been snubbed by the Germany national team head coach, despite showing interest
- The Nigeria-eligible star had shunned playing for Nigeria, even though he is eligible to represent the African nation
- He recently set a new Freiburg record in the German Bundesliga after going four matches without conceding a goal
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Despite expressing interest in playing for Germany ahead of Nigeria, impressive goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has missed out in the Die Mannschaft squad.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has named the final 23-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, but there was still no space for Freiburg goalkeeper.
Atubolu recently set a new Bundesliga record when he went 576 minutes without conceding a goal.
Source: Getty Images
The 22-year-old had been touted to play for Nigeria, but he ended speculations about his international future.
He finally opened up, saying he was looking forward to a German national team call-up and not Nigeria.
Atubolu said, as per Punch:
"Of course, I really want to get the chance to play for the senior national team. I have played for the national team in various age groups.
"I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I have a desire to strengthen the senior national team."
Following goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's retirement and an injury to Marc Andre Ter Stegen, there were calls for Atubolu to be called up into the Germany squad.
The SC Frieburg Academy star was born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother and is eligible to play for any of the national teams.
He has been in incredible form in-between the sticks this season in the Bundesliga, setting a new Freiburg record of not conceding for consecutive games.
Eric Chelle names 23-man squad
The Nigerian national team head coach Eric Chelle has named his final 23-man team to prosecute the forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles take a trip to Kigali for a clash with Rwanda on March 21, and then they host the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo four days later.
Source: Getty Images
The Super Eagles seek their first victory from the qualifiers having drawn three matches and lost one so far, Soccernet reports.
Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookmam, Victor Boniface all made the squad alongside Simon Moses and Sadiq Uma.
Captain Ahmed Musa, who made the 39-man provisional list, was dropped from the final squad ahead of the forthcoming matches.
Osimhen shares Chelle’s warning
Legit.ng earlier reported that Victor Osimhen disclosed that he had pep talks with head coach Eric Chelle ahead of the forthcoming matches.
The Nigerian international admitted that he knew the manager from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament when he led his nation, Mali, to a quarter-final finish, playing some of the best football.
Osimhen disclosed that the tactician is going to be very demanding, saying the tactician needs himself and the senior players on the team to work with him to achieve amazing things for Nigeria.
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Proofreading by Jimmy Modise, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Babajide Orevba (Sports Editor) Babajide Orevba is a CAF-accredited Nigerian journalist, digital publishing expert, researcher, writer and TV analyst. He has covered several major football tournaments including FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, AFCON, CAF Competitions as well as grassroots competitions in Africa. Email: babajide.orevba@corp.legit.ng
Jimmy Modise (Sports Copy editor) Jimmy is an experienced copy editor who has for just under two years as junior copy editor at Sports Brief and is still engaged in the same profession now for Legit Media and other projects. He has a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies, has worked briefly as radio producer, intern sportswriter and copywriter in his storied journey.
