Ipswich Town youth team star Jesse Nwabueze has pledged his international future to Nigeria, rather than the Republic of Ireland.
Nwabueze made a splash last season, ending the campaign as the Blues U18s top scorer with twenty goal involvements (13 goals, 7 assists).
The exciting winger was rewarded with his first professional contract last week on the back of his excellent displays for Ipswich Town's underage teams over the last two seasons.
One of his targets in the forthcoming season is to make his debut for one of Nigeria's youth teams, the Flying Eagles or Olympic Eagles.
Asked for clarity on his international future and his targets for the new campaign, Nwabueze said to allnigeriasoccer.com : "I would rather represent the Eagles because I feel like I can become an idol to people aspiring to be footballers in Nigeria and hopefully inspire a lot of upcoming footballers with what I do on the pitch.
"My targets for the 2022-2023 season is getting my first team debut and international debut for Nigeria".
Nwabueze is capable of playing multiple offensive roles but has revealed that the left wing is his most preferred position.
" I prefer left wing because from young I used to watch Austin Jay-Jay Okocha's skills, goals and videos trying to emulate what he does on the pitch".
Nwabueze joined Ipswich Town on a scholarship deal in 2020 after spells with Crystal Palace and Glenmuir United.