Certain fans have supported the youngster's decision to play for the European giants while others believe it is not a good choice
Nigerian prospect Destiny Udogie has caused a stir on social media after announcing he will love to turn out for the Azzurri and not the Super Eagles since he feels more Italian.
The 19-year-old, who plays as a left-back for Serie A club Udinese on loan from Hellas Verona, was born in Italy but is of Nigerian descent.
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Here are the best reactions to the GOAL post on our Facebook Page.
"I was born in Italy, so I feel more Italian. I grew up playing with the young players in Italy, so I want to continue with Italy," the teenager told Carlo Garganese and Nima Tavalley on The Italian Football Podcast.
Some supporters have not taken Udogie's sentiments lightly stating the West African nation does not need his services.
"Nigeria has got so much talent at their disposal, his decision has no effect on them, they just need a good technical team to put their team together" -Nanor Harris
"So what is holding him since not to play for them. He is free to play for them nobody is begging him to play for Naija or does he want us to start begging him? If he's good enough why is it taking it Long to play for Italy" -Kelechi Ukaegbu
"He is trying to get attention. We don't need these kind of players. He should go and ask [Tammy] Abraham and [Fikayo] Tomori that feels more English" -Ugwu Simon
"He should remember he said so oooh!! He shouldn't come back to post 'No place like motherland ' after he doesn't get a chance to play in the Italian national team. Good luck to you, man... I hope you succeed" -Nkesọsọchukwu Nwachukwu
"This is how they behave if Nigeria had qualified for Qatar they would have been rushing to play for Nigeria at the world cup. Players who said they didn't feel Ghanaian during the qualifiers are now changing nationality in order to play for Ghana at the World Cup" -Solomon Jentina
There are some people who felt the defender made the right decision and should not be forced to play for the Super Eagles.
"Choice is freedom he feels Italian and he looks Italian that’s it debate closed more local talents will get a chance win-win for ends" -Hassan Muhammad Adji
"It's his choice. If he was born there and he feels that way. Would have been different of born in Nigeria and opted for Italy. But Italy is not easy to play for as a black person even if Italian born. But at the same time he could enjoy it and break barriers" -Kwabena Ahenkorah
"Good luck Mr. Everybody can't play for Nigeria. Some players will want to play at all cost and some will not even if they are invited. No big deal in that!" -Ojo Adebayo Olusoji
"You blame him for nothing, if we Africans develop our football professionally and void of corruption and violence there wouldn't be a need for these players" -Joseph Krampah
"Good luck oga ade, Nigeria already have enough good player, having too many of them will make the coaching crew to be selective confused" -Valentine Juniorr
Casemirho77
0
Does the so called Nigeria have a National team? Who with his or her right senses will want to play for a useless country like Nigeria where they don’t provide enough kits for players or will not be paid their allowances talk less of salary? My guy, you have made the best choice, you will never regret it…
Mapdensuyz
0
Matinelli should echo your words..
wakcemnpuy
0
I wonder how a black man feels like an Italian go ask balotelli
beepaid
0
best of luck to him
Yoeadklor
0
6 Brazillians, 1 Nigerian and more changes to come. The Italy squad is fast becoming a rainbow nation squad.😁😁
Seobcmpu
0
good luck bro.....they gave u platform to become what u are and if playing for them even if its just a second is how u repay them so be it...Naija wahala too plenty of all the boys the had them no win nations cup neither qualify for WC,cus 2mrw if u lost a match Herr them fit kill u on transit or abduct ur family member,so play well and all the best
The_Killer_Zebra
1
He can never been Italian for Italians like Saka,Rashford,Sancho.Hooe he gonna understand
Kuteesa
1
Does he think he will ever please the White Italians? The day he will score an own goal, or do any other mistake, he will regret representing Italy over Africans. Then he will come back complaining of segregation & racism