Hellas Verona defender Daniel Oyegoke has missed out on a potential first call-up to the Nigeria national football team after administrative issues surrounding his Nigerian passport prevented his inclusion for the upcoming friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
The 23-year-old right-back had emerged as a leading candidate for a late invitation following a number of withdrawals from coach Eric Chelle’s squad, including the absence of Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Passport Requirement Blocks Call-Up
Despite being eligible to represent Nigeria through his family heritage, Oyegoke currently holds only a British passport.
While the document would have allowed him to travel freely for the European fixtures, regulations require players representing Nigeria to possess a valid Nigerian passport before they can be officially registered for international matches, including friendlies.
As a result, the proposed call-up could not be completed in time.
Highly Rated Defensive Option
Born in London, Oyegoke has steadily built his reputation in Italian football since joining Hellas Verona.
The defender has made 15 league appearances this season, impressing with his athleticism, defensive awareness, and versatility across the back line.
Standing at 1.88 metres, Oyegoke is viewed as a player capable of strengthening Nigeria’s defensive options in the years ahead.
International Background
Oyegoke previously represented England national under-19 football team and was part of the squad that won the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
He also featured for England at youth level during the FIFA U-20 World Cup but remains eligible to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria.
Chelle Turns to Alternatives
With Oyegoke unavailable, Chelle has reportedly moved quickly to reinforce his defensive options by handing late invitations to Christian Akpan of KRC Genk and Abdullahi Bewene of Baník Ostrava.
The pair are expected to provide additional depth as Nigeria prepare for challenging fixtures against European opposition.
Door Remains Open
Although the passport issue has delayed his international debut, Oyegoke remains firmly on the radar of the Super Eagles coaching staff.
Once the necessary documentation is obtained, the defender could become eligible for future call-ups as Nigeria continues building towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
For now, the setback serves as another reminder of the administrative challenges that can arise when recruiting talented members of Nigeria’s football diaspora, even when both player and federation are eager to make the move happen.
