After German Call, Efforts Doubled to Get Sidney Sam to Play for Super Eagles

By Arinze Ude

German national team coach, Joachim Low has included Super Eagles’ target, Sidney Sam in his squad for upcoming friendly matches against Ecuador and United States. Sidney Sam, a midfielder who plies his trade with German club, Bayern Leverkusen, is eligible to play for both countries. Sam’s father is a Nigerian while the mother is German and the winger has represented Germany at junior level but has recently voiced his intention to switch allegiance to Nigeria. Although he’s been called up for both Germany’s upcoming friendlies, he’s still eligible for Nigeria due to the fact that these games aren’t competitive matches. The Nigeria Football Federation remains adamant and confident Sidney Sam will play for the country at the Confederation Cup tournament in June. According to BBC, NFF Spokesman Ademola Olajire said that the NFF was waiting for Sam to send two documents, submit a presentation to world football’s governing body FIFA and obtain clearance for him to play for the Super Eagles. “We are still working on Sidney Sam and are aware that Germany have invited him for non-competitive games,” He said “Some officials have been mandated to handle this and they’ve 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.”