Dual nationality: Njinmah, the Nigerian keeping Germany awake at night
The Nigeria Football Federation must act fast or risk missing out on Werder's promising striker, Justin Njinmah
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According to German newspaper Bild, Justin Njinmah (23) is on the radar of the German Football Association (DFB). The promising centre-forward is currently having a decent season with Bremen (5 goals, 2 assists). "We have noticed that Justin Njinmah has improved a great deal. The player is on our radar", Andreas Rettig, managing director of the German federation, told Sport-Bild. According to the same report, however, Njinmah is unlikely to be called up for next March's internationals against France and the Netherlands.
Even so, his performances this season have attracted the DFB's interest, and it will try to persuade him to represent Germany rather than Nigeria. The Nigeria Football Federation has also held talks with the Bremen striker. However, Njinmah's problem is that both nations have several options up front. Nigeria have Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi and Moses Simon. In Germany, the 23-year-old is not the type of striker the Mannschaft need at the moment.
Following in the footsteps of Balogun, Owomoyela or Sam
Although born in Hamburg (on 15 November 2000), Njinmah is still eligible for the Super Eagles. One of his parents is originally from Nigeria. The player finds himself facing the same dilemma as Patrick Owomoyela, Dennis Aogo and Sidney Sam. The retired players mentioned could have represented the Super Eagles at international level, but chose Germany, their country of birth. Other footballers, such as Leon Balogun, Kevin Akpoguma and Jordan Torunarigha, on the other hand, decided to wear the Nigeria shirt.
Jim CEESAY