The omission of SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu from the Germany squad for UEFA Nations League quarterfinals against Italy provides a boost for Nigeria. Atubolu has excelled by keeping six consecutive clean sheets and holds a club record. His absence may facilitate his commitment to the Nigerian national team, where he previously represented various youth levels.
The Nigeria Football Federation has received positive news with the exclusion of SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu from the Germany national team squad. Coach Julian Nagelsmann announced his selection for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals against Italy, notably omitting Atubolu, who excelled in recent performances by achieving six consecutive clean sheets in the German Bundesliga.
Atubolu, a native of Freiburg im Breisgau, set a club record by going 510 minutes without conceding a goal, surpassing Richard Golz’s previous record from the 2001-2002 season. This has raised expectations for Nigeria, as being selected for the German squad could have capped Atubolu to Germany due to his dual nationality.
Germany’s goalkeeping lineup for the matches includes Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel, and Stefan Ortega Moreno, leaving Atubolu to potentially choose to represent Nigeria in future competitions. The 22-year-old has a history of representing Germany at various youth levels, including U17, U19, and U20, as well as fifteen matches for the U21 team since March 2022.
The Nigeria Football Federation remains hopeful that Atubolu’s omission may result in his commitment to the national team, as he is in peak form. His prior experience with the German youth squads adds depth to Nigeria’s goalkeeping prospects as they prepare for upcoming competitions.
Atubolu’s absence from the German squad represents a significant opportunity for the Nigeria Football Federation. This development could influence his decision to fully commit to Nigeria, enhancing the team’s goalkeeping options. As he continues to perform at a high level, the Super Eagles may benefit from his talents in future matches.
Original Source: www.allnigeriasoccer.com
