Okaka rejects Nigeria call up

Shina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos

Okaka plays for the Italian side AS Roma

The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has failed to lure Stefano Chuka Okaka to play for the Flying Eagles.

NFA was keen on inviting the Italy-born AS Roma striker for their final qualifier for the African Youth Championship against Rwanda on 30 September.

But the 17-year-old, whose parents are from Nigeria, has opted to focus on playing in the colours of Italy instead.

"I have been looking forward to representing Italy in future like my sister (Stefania) did in volleyball," Okaka told BBC Sport.

"Even though my parents are from Nigeria, I would love to play for the national team of Italy in someday."

Two weeks ago Stefania was part of the Italian side that won the European Women Junior Volleyball championship in France.

Meanwhile, the NFA is still confident of convincing Aston Villa's Nigeria-born striker Gabriel Agbonlahor to play for the West African country.

Officials believe the recent capture of Everton's Victor Anichebe will encourage the 19-year-old to make a nationality switch after representing England at youth level.

"We expect Anichebe for the game against Rwanda at the end of this month, hopefully this should be a positive influence on Agbonlahor," NFA acting general secretary Fanny Amun told BBC Sport.

"Agbonlahor has been in good form for Aston Villa in the English Premiership and we believe he will be a good addition to our national under-20 side."

Agbonlahor, who is also Nigerian-born, is a product of the Aston Villa youth system.

Nigeria will qualify for the 2007 African Youth Championship in Congo if they win their two-legged tie against Rwanda.