FIFA clears Ukoh to play for Nigeria

The Federation of International Football Associations, FIFA, on Thursday, cleared former Swiss Under-20 international, Steven Ukoh, to represent Nigeria at the senior level.

A statement issued in Abuja by Ademola Olajire, Assistant Director, Communications, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, said the decision was made by the FIFA Players’ Status Committee’s judge on December 4.

“Ukoh was cleared to switch his nationality from Switzerland to Nigeria,” the statement said. “The versatile midfielder, born on June 19, 1991 to Nigerian parents in Berne, Switzerland, currently plays for Biel-Bienne FC in the European country. His father, Archibong Ukoh and mother Helene, hail from Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.”

It further said that Ukoh represented Switzerland at Under-16, 17, 18, 19 and Under-20 levels between 2006 and 2010 but changed his mind to play for Nigeria at the senior level.

Also, Arsenal FC of England’s Chuba Akpom, and Semi Ajayi, have expressed interest in being part of Super Eagles’ international friendly matches against Cote d’Ivoire and Mali in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The statement said Ajayi and Akpom could be called up by Coach Daniel Amokachi for the trip, alongside Steven Ukoh.

The Super Eagles will play Africa Cup of Nations-bound teams: Elephants of Cote d’ Ivoire and Mali’s Les Aiglons on January 9 and January 13 before the kickoff of the Nations Cup.

(NAN)