Nigeria Football Federation has called for the inclusion Argentinian based Nigerian, Jonathan Spiff Asuzu to the men Under 20 team.
The 1.87m tall Asuzu was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
According to Dr. Raymond Edoh, a Nigerian, Asuzu has carved out an impressive career in Argentina.
The 18 years old prodigy has emerged as a remarkable talent in the world of football, currently playing as an Attack – Center-forward for the prestigious River Plate in Argentina.
Edoh, during a press conference in Abuja, said, despite overtures from the Argentine national team to represent them, Asuzu has demonstrated a strong commitment to his Nigerian roots, explicitly stating his desire to don the green and white jersey of Nigeria.
“As a result, we, the Nigerian youths, are rallying behind his cause to ensure that he is given the opportunity to showcase his remarkable talents on the international stage for Nigeria’s Under-20 football team.
“The importance of identifying and nurturing young talents who can contribute to Nigeria’s football heritage cannot be overstated. With football being a pivotal part of our culture, it is imperative that we invest in young athletes who show potential, both domestically and abroad. This is particularly significant in the case of Jonathan Spiff Asuzu, whose professional experience in Argentine football – a country known for its incredible commitment to the sport – positions him as an invaluable asset to Nigeria’s future in football.
“Jonathan Asuzu’s record at River Plate is nothing short of exceptional. Since joining the club in 2014, he has developed his skills in a highly competitive environment, honing his craft with some of the best trainers and players in South America. His performance as a Center-forward illustrates not just technical skill, but also an understanding of the game that belies his age. Playing in a club renowned for shaping global football talents, Asuzu has the potential to thrive in Nigeria’s national setup and elevate the team’s performance to new heights.
“The football community in Nigeria is in dire need of young players who possess a global perspective as well as local knowledge of the game. The combination of Asuzu’s Argentine football training and his Nigerian heritage gives him a unique advantage. His exposure to elite competitions in Argentina equips him with skills that can only enrich Nigeria’s youth squad. Reports from various sources highlight the ongoing challenges faced by our national teams in international competitions, and integrating players like Asuzu into the team could provide the edge we desperately need”.
“Together, we believe that inviting Asuzu to represent Nigeria is not just a decision based on his abilities but also a step towards honouring our national pride.
“Asuzu’s decision to represent Nigeria highlights the values of commitment and loyalty that resonate deeply within the Nigerian community. With his Nigerian father and Argentinian mother, he embodies a fusion of cultures, and it reflects the unity that football can bring to a diverse nation like ours. His resolve to play for Nigeria over Argentina, despite continuous interest from the Argentine Football Association, is commendable and reflects a strong sense of pride in his heritage”.
Dr. Raymond Edoh states, “Every young Nigerian athlete deserves the chance to represent their country and make their family and community proud. Jonathan Spiff Asuzu did not leave his roots behind; he carries them with him on the field. It is time for us to reciprocate that loyalty by bringing him back home, not just to play, but to inspire countless others who dream of becoming football stars.
“It is vital for Nigeria to take a proactive role in securing the commitment of Asuzu to the national team. This involves formally inviting him to join the Under-20 squad and integrating him into our grassroots development programs. By doing so, the government would not only demonstrate its commitment to youth engagement but also invest in the nation’s sporting future.
“Additionally, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) must take the necessary steps to ensure that talented athletes who are interested in representing Nigeria feel welcomed and supported. By fostering an environment that values and acknowledges the contributions of Nigerian athletes, both at home and abroad, we can inspire a new generation of sportsmen and women to represent our great nation.
“Asuzu’s unique skills and experiences could catalyse a shift in the performance of our national teams and contribute to a cultural revitalisation of Nigerian football. This is further evidenced by Nigeria’s rich history of producing outstanding footballers who have excelled globally. The potential of Jonathan Spiff Asuzu should not be overlooked, as he possesses the qualities necessary to follow in the footsteps of earlier legends”.
While speaking further, Dr. Raymond Edoh lauded the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alh. Shehu Dikko describing him as the Messiah of the Nigeria football, stressing that his leadership has shown overwhelming result and Nigerians are very grateful to him.
“Alh. Shehu Dikko has shown that he is good at what he does and working round the clock in line with the renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We can see sports taking shape again like back in the days of coach Clement Westeholf and legend plays like Keshi, Oliseh, Amokachi and others and been breed under Dikko’s leadership.”, Edoh said.
