Nigeria Coach Rhor Sets Sights on Ugbo to Replace Abraham

Following the disappointment last week over Tammy Abraham, the Super Eagles’ coach Gernot Rhor has admitted he’s got his eyes on another young British player, Ike Ugbo.

Ugbo, who is currently on loan from Chelsea at Roda FC in the Dutch Eerste Divisie, was born in Lewisham, South London, although is eligible to play through his Nigerian parents.

The 21-year-old has made a promising start to the season in The Netherlands, having netted five goals in just eight appearances, prompting the Nigerian’s interest.

He has already a part of the England youth system, having played at both Under-17 and Under-20 level, helping guide the latter to victory in the 2017 Toulon Tournament, an international tournament featuring Under-21 sides from around the world.

The Super Eagles’ were dealt a huge blow last week when two players with Nigerian heritage, Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori, both ended the speculation surrounding their international future by being selected in the England squad for the upcoming European 2020 qualifiers.

Once a player has made their competitive debut, they are unable to switch allegiance to another country.

Despite the news last week, Nigeria has been successful in luring players out of the English youth set-up in the past, securing coups like Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and Chuba Akpom.