Nigeria has lost out on yet another England-based youngster, as Ipswich Town youngster, Ben Folami has opted to play for Australia at full senior level.
Although most of his coevals in England prefer playing for the country of their birth or where they grew up, The Tractor Boys’ rising star has turned his attention Down Under.
Sports247.ng gathered that the teenage sensation, who is among the highly prized prospects at the former club of ex-Super Eagles’ winger, Finidi George, chose to represent the Aussies at full international level because he was born in Sydney, Australia.
Although he has a Nigerian father and is eligible for both countries, the 19-year-old striker said he has already committed to The Socceroos.
Folami, who joined Ipswich in 2016 and has made five first-team appearances to date, logging 238 minutes, follows the footsteps of Bernie Ibini-Isei and his sister, Princess, who have both played for Australia’s senior male and female teams, after earning multiple caps for their youth squads.
Consequently, Folami has taken his first steps towards becoming an Australian international by accepting an invitation to their under-19 squad.
He is now lining out with the Nation of Kangaroos at the 2018 AFC U-19 Championship in Indonesia and debuted in their 1-1 draw with Korea Republic on Friday.
After playing for 76 minutes before he was substituted Folami said: ”I’m committed to playing for Australia.
“It’s the only country I’ve ever wanted to play for. I back myself to do well because of everything I’ve done in England.”
