Former Switzerland under-20 international, Steven Archibong Effiong Ukoh has been cleared by the world’s football governing body, FIFA, to make his full international debut for Nigeria.
Ukoh, 23, was born in Berne, Switzerland in 1991 to Nigerian parents, and current plays in midfield for Swiss side Biel-Bienne FC.
The versatile midfielder has previously represented Switzerland at all youth levels between 2006 to 2010 but opted to represent Nigeria at senior level.
According to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ukoh’s case was heard by a single judge of the FIFA Players’ Status Committee.
“By the decision of a single judge of the FIFA Players’ Status Committee on 4th December, 2014, Steven Ukoh was cleared to switch his nationality from Switzerland to Nigeria,” the NFF said.
In another related news, Arsenal FC of England duo, Chuba Akpom and Seyi Ajayi have also declared their interest to represent Nigeria at senior level.
Ajayi, who has been on the bench for Arsenal’s last three fixtures, is already a Nigerian youth international having played in the Toulon U-20 tournament last year.
Super Eagles assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi may decide to call up the three youngsters for the upcoming friendly double-header with Ivory Coast and Mali early next year in Abu-Dhabi. Ajayi is a ball-playing defender while Akpom is a striker.
