The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has vowed not to give up on securing the services of German-born Nigerian star Sidney Sam, just as they did in the case of Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi who they grabbed from the English national team after the Nigerians have played for the country at various levels.
Despite the German senior national soccer team’s disruptive invitation of Sidney Sam for an international friendly, the Nigeria Football Federation are still optimistic that the player can still look the way of the Super Eagles.
The NFF Director of Communication, Mr Ademola Olajire, said that: At least before now the star player has been responding to all the requests of the federation as regards the final documentation for a final switch to play for Nigeria. The good thing about this is that, Sam has been invited for a friendly and not full competitive game.”
He added that: “We are still working on Sidney Sam and are aware that Germany have invited him for non-competitive games.
“Some officials have been mandated to handle this and they have intensified their efforts since last week.
“The Super Eagles are presently camping in Germany and our officials have been in touch with Sam to fast-track the process. We are optimistic he will play for Nigeria whether he turns out for Germany now or not.”
For the Nigeria federation, despite his call-up to the Germany squad for two upcoming friendlies, Sam was born to a German mother but his father comes from Nigeria so he could represent either country until he plays in a competitive international.
But Nigeria are sure that the player has not closed the door on them.
The Nigeria Football Federation has been pursuing Sam since last November but have struggled to satisfy all the requirements for the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder to switch allegiance from the country of his birth.
Sam is keen to try out his options without committing himself to either country at this stage – and Germany’s friendly matches give him the chance to do so.
