Nigeria, England battle for Ibe

Nigeria football officials have made an appeal to Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe to switch international allegiance to the Super Eagles with new coach Sunday Oliseh travelling to Melwood to meet the player. The Guardian of London and the Liverpool ECHO published reports of the meeting.

Ibe joined Liverpool after making his debut for Wycombe Wanderers at the age of 15 and last season he broke into Brendan Rodgers’ senior side after impressing on loan at Derby County.

Bermondsey-born Ibe has represented England at under-18, 19 and 20 levels but is eligible to play for Nigeria as his dad David is from Nigeria. Oliseh has also met separately with Victor Moses and other Nigerians in England.

However, the British media suggest that while being flattered by the meeting with Oliseh and Nigeria’s desire to get him on board, Ibe is still hoping to launch an international career with England. Oliseh, on his part, has made it clear that he wants Ibe to switch.

He spoke to Ibe personally at Melwood to outline his ideas for the national team and it will be interesting to see whether or not he is successful.

The Guardian’s report does add that the FA are now considering bringing Ibe’s England debut forward in order to ensure he doesn’t switch to Nigeria.

The Liverpool striker is expected to be named in Gareth Southgate’s England U-21 squad for next month’s matches against USA and Norway.

He could still change his mind until he has played a competitive fixture for the senior side but considering his progress with Liverpool it’s unlikely to be long before Roy Hodgson calls upon him.

Ibe has been Liverpool’s standout performer in pre-season and is expected to start in Sunday’s Premier League opener at Stoke City.