18 year old Dundalk FC midfielder, Hezekiah Okirikpo, has stated that he would be picking Nigeria over Ireland in terms of senior football allegiance.

The central midfielder who spent two weeks in the U23 camp of Watford on trial revealed to the media his desire to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria as he searches for a new club at the end of this current 2022 season.

The 5ft 11in tall midfielder, who formerly played for Castleknock Celtic FC in Ireland, received many accolades in his youth career even as he nears the age of 19 in weeks.

His achievements include U10 Hillary Cup Winner (Captain), U12 DDSL-Major League Winner (Captain), U15 Castleknock Celtic Player of the Year, U16 DDSL Squad – SFAI Leinster CUP Winners, U16 DDSL Squad – SFAI Regional Cup Finalist, U17 DDSL Premier League Runner-UPs (Captain) and U19 League Of Ireland Group A Winner (UCD FC).

Okirikpo’s unique qualities include being very fast, intelligent, skillful, technically sound, physically and mentally tough.

Others are being aerially strong, good shooting ability with eye for goals.

Being very comfortable on both legs, great stamina, marking, passing and attacking capacities are some of the attributes the young easy going and highly disciplined midfielder possesses along with a quiet, friendly, sociable and team character to cap it all. player with fine professional attitude.

The youngster is likened to his folks in Chelsea, England’s Mason Mount and Lucas Paqueta of Olympic Lyon.