Rédaction Africa Links 24 with James Agberebi
Published on 2024-02-29 17:05:50
Netherlands-born forward Joshua Zirkzee is contemplating a change in his international allegiance to represent Nigeria. Zirkzee, who was born to a Dutch father and a Nigerian mother, has so far only participated in youth football for the Netherlands. At 22 years old, the former Bayern Munich player has the option to play for either the Netherlands or Nigeria. He has expressed that the possibility of switching allegiance to Nigeria is something he is seriously considering.
In an interview with Algemeen Dagblad via EuroFoot, Zirkzee shared his thoughts on the potential switch. He mentioned that if the Netherlands does not extend an invitation to him, he would be open to representing Nigeria instead. Zirkzee acknowledged the talent pool in both countries, noting that Nigeria has top attackers such as Boniface and Osimhen. While his ultimate dream has always been to play for the Dutch national team, he is open to exploring other opportunities if that does not materialize.
Zirkzee’s football journey has seen him achieve success with top clubs. He was a member of the Bayern Munich squad that secured the Bundesliga, German Cup, and UEFA Champions League titles in 2020. Having started his career at the Feyenoord academy before joining Bayern’s youth team in 2017, Zirkzee quickly made an impact. He made headlines on 1 March 2019 by scoring a hat-trick in his debut for Bayern Munich’s youth side. His impressive performance earned him a promotion to the senior team, where he made his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League.
After departing from Bayern Munich in August 2022, Zirkzee signed a permanent deal with Serie A club Bologna. In the current season, he has showcased his skills by scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 25 league games. His standout performances have caught the attention of top clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United, who are reportedly interested in signing him during the summer transfer window.
Zirkzee’s potential switch to represent Nigeria adds an intriguing dimension to his international career. As he weighs his options and evaluates the opportunities presented to him, football fans worldwide will be watching eagerly to see which national team he ultimately chooses to represent on the international stage.
