South Africa name young Nigerian attacker in 2023 U-17 AFCON squad, could face Golden Eaglets

The youngster was born to Nigerian parents, but he has decided to play for South Africa 

South Africa Under-17 coach Duncan Crowie has named a Nigerian Michael Dokunmu in his 23-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in April-May Soccernet.ng reports.

Dokunmu was born in the South African City of Kimberley to Nigerian parents. However, he plies his trade for the youth team of Dutch side Vitesse.

Because he was born in South Africa, the 17-year-old attacker is eligible to play for Nigeria and South Africa. But he opted to play for the latter.

Explaining his decision, Dokunmu explained that he feels more comfortable playing for the Amajimbos rather than Nigeria.

“I chose South Africa because it’s my birthplace, I decided because I am more comfortable playing for my birthplace and because I really love South Africa,” Dokunmu said per the South African.

“It was one of my dreams, one of my goals to get called up to the national team and from here, the U17 team and then gradually going on to make my debut for the national first team,” Dokunmu added.

Nigeria were drawn with the Amajimbos, and there is a chance that Dokunmu will be on the lineup when both teams clash on the 6th of May in Algeria. The youngster has four goals and one assist for Vitesse’s Under-18 team this season.

Despite winning five World Cups, the Golden Eaglets have won the AFCON just twice. Nonetheless, Nigeria has always boasted of quality players at this level. Coach Nduka Ugade should have enough quality on his hands to do well in Algeria.

Dokunmu could still switch allegiances and play for Nigeria in the future if he does not play for the South African senior male team.