William Osula commits international future to Denmark after Nations League appearance

Newcastle United forward William Osula is no longer eligible to play for Nigeria after making his competitive debut for Denmark, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The 23-year-old came off the bench against Portugal on Saturday night in the UEFA Nations League, a competition recognised by Fifa as comprising competitive fixtures. That appearance effectively tied Osula to Denmark under international eligibility regulations.

Osula had previously remained eligible to represent Nigeria because his two earlier Denmark appearances came in friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine.

The Newcastle player had been monitored by the Nigeria Football Federation, but his introduction against Portugal ended the possibility of him switching allegiance to the Super Eagles.

The development follows a similar decision involving Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha, who became ineligible for Nigeria after winning his fourth senior cap for England.

Ngumoha reached that threshold in England’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Croatia on 12 November. His fourth appearance came before he turned 21 and included a competitive fixture, meaning he can no longer change his international allegiance.

Under Fifa’s rules, an Under-21 player may make up to three senior appearances for one country and still change associations, provided the relevant conditions are satisfied. A player becomes permanently committed to their first national team after making four senior appearances, including at least one in a competitive match, before their 21st birthday.

That rule applies to both Ngumoha and Osula, although their situations differ. Ngumoha reached the required number of appearances for England, while Osula became tied to Denmark with his first competitive international appearance after previously featuring only in friendlies.

Several other Premier League forwards of Nigerian descent have also committed their international futures to European nations.

The list includes Arsenal players Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, along with Aston Villa forward Tammy Abraham, Brentford’s Kevin Schade, Leeds United’s Noah Okafor and Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke.

Osula’s switch represents another potential loss for the Nigeria Football Federation, which had retained the possibility of calling up the Newcastle forward before the Nations League match.

Denmark, European champions in 1992, therefore have Osula available as an international player under the current eligibility rules, while Nigeria can no longer select him.

Photo credit: dbu.dk