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Former Brighton and Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has urged Nigeria to take decisive action in securing Werder Bremen’s Felix Agu before Germany swoops in, Footynaija.com reports.
Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, Agu, 25, is eligible to represent both nations. He has previously played for Germany at youth level but remains available for the Super Eagles.
The right-back, who joined Bremen from Osnabrück in 2020, has been impressive in the Bundesliga this season, scoring two goals in ten appearances.
Justin Njinmah and Felix Agu, both of Nigerian descent, found the net for Bremen in their 2-2 draw with Augsburg.
— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) August 24, 2024
They are eligible to play for the Super Eagles. With the AFCON Qualifiers barely 2 weeks away, should they be considered for a call up? pic.twitter.com/03MpGHpdfw
Balogun, who was also born in Germany, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to be more proactive in recruiting dual-nationality talents after missing out on several high-profile players in recent years.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze both opted for England, despite Nigeria’s interest. Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise also chose France, despite previous discussions with the NFF. Similarly, Real Madrid’s David Alaba and Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji committed to Austria and Switzerland, respectively, without serious competition from Nigeria.
With reports suggesting England manager Thomas Tuchel is monitoring Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri and Manchester United’s Chido Obi, Balogun has stressed the need for Nigeria to make the national team more appealing.
Speaking to Ayodele Olu Ibidapo, Rangers centreback Balogun reflected on his own experience and the importance of identity in a player’s decision-making process.
“There’s so much potential, so many players. Look at David Alaba, Manuel Akanji, Michael Olise — players we missed out on — Eze, Saka, and so many others,” Balogun said.
“Still more to come, there’s one guy now at Werder Bremen, Felix Agu, so obviously it’s about sending the right messages, making the national team attractive.”
Balogun also shared how playing for Nigeria deepened his connection to his roots.
“I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who felt at the time I got called up to the national team that this is home, this is my other half calling me to come home, find out who you are,” he added.
“Until that point, I wasn’t in touch too much with my Nigerian identity and I’m still learning now because it has been two years I started actually to learn Yoruba with a teacher, which is not easy.”
While Agu would strengthen Nigeria’s fullback options, competition remains stiff. Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel are key figures at right-back, while Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi provide strong depth on the left.
Nonetheless, Balogun’s message is clear: Nigeria cannot afford to keep losing top talent to other nations.
