Scotland aims to secure Celtic players Emmanuel Obidiwe and Dara Ositelu to strengthen its youth teams against competition from Nigeria. They are both called up for international friendlies, which could shape their national allegiances. The Scottish FA focuses on integrating talented players while navigating the complexities of dual-nationality representation.
On February 5, 2025, the Scottish Football Association announced its intention to secure the services of two promising Celtic players, Emmanuel Obidiwe and Dara Ositelu, ahead of Nigeria. The association has called up both players for international friendlies scheduled for later in the month. Obidiwe joins the Scotland U16 squad, while Ositelu is included in the Women’s U17 squad for the MIMA Cup in Spain.
Emmanuel Obidiwe will represent Scotland in friendly matches against Cyprus, Romania, and Northern Ireland. His strong social media following of the Nigerian national team suggests a potential pull towards Nigeria, similar to past players such as Ifeoma Dieke who chose Scotland. Moreover, Obidiwe’s selection is part of a wider strategy by Stephen Clarke who endorsed six Celtic youngsters.
Conversely, Dara Ositelu, born in 2009 and a graduate of Eastwood High School, is eager to secure a position in the U17 squad after making a few appearances off the bench last fall. She has one goal in her three caps for the U16s and hopes to enhance her profile with competitive play for Celtic. Like Obidiwe, her decision may also mirror those of other dual-nationality players who opted for Scotland instead of their Nigerian roots.
The Scottish Football Association’s proactive approach aims to strengthen its youth teams by integrating talented players from Celtic, competing directly with Nigeria for their services. The inclusion of both Obidiwe and Ositelu could influence their international allegiance, potentially shaping their footballing careers in years to come.
The situation illustrates the ongoing battle between national federations to secure players who possess the potential to contribute significantly to their respective teams. As the friendlies approach, the choices made by these young athletes will be closely watched, reflecting their commitment to either nation.
The Scottish Football Association recently intensified efforts to cap dual-nationality players, particularly from clubs like Celtic, to strengthen their teams. The growing trend of players with Nigerian roots opting to represent Scotland has become a matter of strategic importance for the FA, particularly with Nigeria’s rising football profile. The decision-making processes of youthful players like Obidiwe and Ositelu will be crucial in the competitive landscape between these two nations.
In summary, the Scottish Football Association’s call-ups for Celtic’s Emmanuel Obidiwe and Dara Ositelu signify a strategic move to secure young talents ahead of competing interests from Nigeria. Both players have shown promise on international platforms, and their decisions in representing either nation will have profound implications in their careers and the teams they represent in the future. The situation highlights the ongoing dynamics between national football federations in capturing emerging talents.
Original Source: www.allnigeriasoccer.com