The recent transfer of Tim Iroegbunam to Everton has sparked significant interest, especially among Nigerian football fans. At just 21-years-old, Iroegbunam’s move from Aston Villa to Everton for a reported fee of £9 million signals a crucial step in his burgeoning career. However, beyond his club future, many are keenly watching where his international allegiance will lie.
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A Promising Start
Iroegbunam, full name Timothy Emeka Iroegbunam, made waves during his loan spell at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in the Championship. His performances caught the eye of Aston Villa’s management, with Unai Emery expressing faith in the young midfielder’s potential. Emery even chose to retain Iroegbunam over seasoned Belgian international Leander Dendoncker, highlighting the club’s belief in his abilities.
Despite this show of confidence, Iroegbunam’s anticipated breakthrough in the Premier League did not materialise as expected. He ended last season with just one Premier League start and a total of nine appearances for Aston Villa. This lack of consistent first-team football led to his decision to move to Everton, where he aims to solidify his place and make a more substantial impact.
A Future with Nigeria?
Although Iroegbunam has represented England at the U21 level, his international future seems to be leaning towards Nigeria. Born to Nigerian parents, he is eligible to play for the Super Eagles, and according to a source close to him, the young midfielder is keen on representing Nigeria at the senior level.
“Tim will play for Nigeria because we had that conversation when he was at QPR last season, and he didn’t hide it,” said the source. “If the message comes from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), I can tell you it will be a yes. For now, his focus is on stamping his feet in the starting lineup of Everton after a very good pre-season showing.”
What This Means for Nigeria
Should Iroegbunam choose Nigeria, it would be a significant boost for the Super Eagles. The national team has seen a resurgence of interest from players of Nigerian descent born or raised abroad. With his combination of defensive solidity and ability to drive forward from midfield, Iroegbunam could become a key player for Nigeria in the coming years.
Given Nigeria’s rich history in football and its passionate fan base, Iroegbunam’s potential inclusion in the Super Eagles could create a new chapter in his career, offering him the chance to play on a different stage, potentially in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the World Cup.
Conclusion
As Tim Iroegbunam embarks on this new journey with Everton, Nigerian football fans will be watching closely. His decision on where to commit his international future is eagerly anticipated, with many hoping he will don the green and white of Nigeria. With the potential he has already shown, Iroegbunam could be a vital part of Nigeria’s footballing future, providing energy, skill, and youthful exuberance to the national team.
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