William Osula: Ex-Brentford star backs NFF push to secure Newcastle striker for Super Eagles

Former Super Eagles and Brentford defender Sam Sodje has weighed in on the Nigerian Football Federation’s approach to Newcastle United forward William Osula, Soccernet.ng exclusively reports.

The NFF have made contact with the Denmark-born forward over a possible international switch, as part of plans to rebuild the Super Eagles for the future after recent disappointments.

The 22-year-old has previously featured for Denmark at the U-21 and at U-19 level, but he is yet to make a senior appearance for Denmark, which leaves the door open for Nigeria to convince him to make a switch.

If he agrees to switch allegiance, Osula could be in line for his first call-up ahead of next month’s Unity Cup, as well as friendly matches against Poland and Portugal in June.

Nigeria have also recently strengthened their squad with the addition of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, after FIFA approved his request to switch allegiance from England.

Sam Sodje reacts to NFF move for William Osula

Like William Osula, Sam Sodje was born outside Nigeria, but chose to represent the Super Eagles during his playing career. 

The former Leeds United defender believes the NFF are right to pursue the forward, but also stressed the need to develop talents in the local league.

“Talking about the NFF getting the player from Newcastle to play for the national team, yeah it’s always nice to get the best players as long as they are Nigerians to play for the nation”, the former Leeds United defender told Soccernet.ng.

“But sometimes, we have to try our best to build our own from the home-based and encourage the home-based, but yeah he’s Nigerian, and I see no reason why they shouldn’t get him. He’ll add more quality and more fighting power upfront. I think it’s a good idea to get him to play for Nigeria.

“I was in the same position, and I’ve got nephews who are English the same way, and if they are good enough, they should come and play for the nation. It’s definitely a good idea to get him to come and play, but you know we should always try to encourage our home-based [players] to be able to have the same chance, but yeah, [it's] a great idea, and hopefully we can get him and add more value to our national team”, he concluded.

Osula: Super Eagles' next star in the making

William Osula is already making a name for himself at Newcastle United, where he has become an important figure under manager Eddie Howe this season. The forward recently netted a brilliant goal in a 2-1 win over Manchester United, handing Michael Carrick his first defeat in charge of the Red Devils.

Despite his club progress, Osula is yet to feature at senior international level and remains eligible to represent Nigeria, Denmark, France and England.

While he has received call-ups from Denmark, he is still uncapped and if he eventually chooses Nigeria, he could play a key role in the Super Eagles’ rebuild under head coach Eric Chelle.

However, the final decision on his international future is entirely up to him.