Joy as FIFA clears Aina to represent Nigeria

Nigeria have received clearance from FIFA for Hull City defender, Ola Aina, to represent the country.

The clearance makes Aina eligible for Monday’s Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier reverse fixture against Cameroon in Yaounde.

Nigeria thrashed Cameroon 4-0 in Uyo on Friday in the first of the double-header.

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr said Aina, who can play at right-back or left-back, could now line up in Yaounde as the Super Eagles look for a second victory in four days over Cameroon.

“FIFA have approved Ola Aina, who can now play for Nigeria,” Rohr was quoted as saying by Supersports.com.

Aina, who is on a season-long loan at Hull from Chelsea, was brought in by the Eagles coach to fill the gaps in the full-back positions.

The player was born in London to Nigerian parents. Although he has a Nigerian passport, he has represented England at various junior levels and so needed to apply to change his international allegiance.

Rohr had hoped to use Aina in the first clash against Cameroon but the FIFA clearance did not arrive on time.

Nigeria have nine points from three matches in Group B of the African qualifiers, while Zambia are second on four points and Cameroon remain on two points.Punch