Reports from several sources in the Dutch media have revealed Arnaut Danjuma Groeneveld’s move to change his nationality to Nigeria following failure to thrust himself into Holland’s squad.
The 24-year-old Danjuma who was widely expected to be given a call up following his bright recent form in Europe has not sufficiently impressed Louis Van Gaal, Netherland’s coach.
The Lagos-born Villareal winger has, therefore, pushed for changing his nationality from the Netherlands to Nigeria where he hails from.
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Recall that the winger had been pursued by Gernot Rohr before being capped by the Netherlands 3 years ago.
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Non-inclusion in the team of Netherland has now bolstered Danjuma’s chances to represent Nigeria.
That said, Danjuma’s eligibility to play for the Super Eagles expires in less than 12 days.
FIFA has ruled that Players cannot switch if they have played more than three competitive matches at senior level before they turn 21.
That said, the 16th of this month makes it 3 years since he played for Holland at the age of 21.
Danjuma who excelled in Villareal 2-1 loss to Manchester United in the Champions League fixture and followed it up with a brace against Real Betis told NOS;
“I think I have a better chance of being called up to the Dutch national team again if I assert myself at Villarreal. That is certainly a goal.”
“Yes, of course. I have to be honest: at a certain point time runs out.”
He added: “I have always consciously chosen the Dutch national team and I would really like to play for Oranje again. But of course, I can’t wait until my thirties to do that. I also really want to play football as an international and experience a major world tournament.”
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