Udogie's agent dismisses talk that player will feature for Nigeria saying he is Italian through and through

NIGERIA'S hopes of getting Udinese defender Destiny Udogie to play for the Super Eagles has suffered a major setback after the player's agent revealed that his ward would rather play for Italy at senior international level.

Born in Verona, the player who cut his teeth at Hellas Verona is capable of playing as a left back or a left wing-back. Udogie, who joined English Premier League side Spurs in the summer but was sent back to Udinese on loan, has represented Italy at every level from U-16 to U-20 and looks forward to getting a senior invitation as he feels more Italian than Nigerian.

Ferdinando Guarino, the player's agent, said that Udogie is determined to represent Italy and not Nigeria internationally. Nigeria did not invite Udogie for the September friendly against Algeria but Italian national team manager Roberto Mancini also snubbed Udogie for the recent matches against England and Hungary.

Udogie was called up for the Italian under-21 side and was involved as the youth team lost 0-2 to England U-21 and drew 1-1 with Japan's U-21. Nevertheless, the fact that Mr Mancini overlooked him has raised concerns that Nigeria may tempt the 19-year-old to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles.

However, Mr Guarino, has moved to squash such concerns. Although he admitted that Udogie was disappointed not to earn his first senior call-up, the agent insists the full-back is focused only on Italy and no other nation.

Mr Guarino said: “Udogie is a player monitored by the senior national team. This time, we were hoping for a call-up but he was called up anyway with the U-21, really showing a particular attachment to the national team.

“He had a physical problem due to a clash on the pitch and despite not being at 100%, he gave his contribution, tightening his teeth and playing important matches against England and Japan. He has a great attachment to the Azzurri shirt and there will still be time for the senior national team. The goal is that he is Italian, born in Italy, who feels the blue shirt and is proving it.”