Liverpool's Seyi Ojo rejects Siasia's offer of representing Nigeria's at Brazil Olympics

LIVERPOOL and England youth international Seyi Ojo has turned down an offer from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to play for the country's U-23 team at the forthcoming Olympics in Brazil.

 

Currently one of the brightest young prospects in English football, Ojo was contacted by NFF board member of Barrister Chris Green to feature for Nigeria at the Olympics taking place this summer in Rio de Janeiro. U23 coach Samson Siasia had wanted the teenager in his squad for the tournament but talks with the player and his family failed to get him to accept the offer.

 

To play for Nigeria, Ojo, 18, would have had to switch nationality through Fifa having played for England at two-age levels. However, the teenager's parents made it known to Mr Green that their son is open to the idea of playing for Nigeria in the future but at this stage of his career it is best for him to focus on his club.

 

Last season, Ojo was recalled from his loan deal with English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers by Liverpool to provide cover for their first team after injuries left them short in key areas in their forward line. He ended up making a total of 11 appearances in all competitions with one goal to his name as they ended up as runners’ up in the Europa League after losing 3-1 to Sevilla in the final.