Super Eagles suffer setback as Denmark move to cap highly-rated prospect

Published on by Toyosi Afolayan

The Super Eagles' chances of securing 19-year-old wonderkid Patrick Dorgu have hit a snag following the announcement of the latest Denmark squad.

The Lecce left-back has received his first call-up to Danish senior national team ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes against Switzerland and Serbia.

Dorgu’s inclusion in Denmark’s squad marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. At just 19 years old, he has already made 37 professional appearances, including 34 in the Italian Serie A. 

With only 23 players selected for the upcoming internationals by interim national coach Lars Knudsen, it seems highly likely that Dorgu will be included in Denmark’s matchday squad for the crucial fixture against Switzerland on September 5.

Denmark calls, but Super Eagles' dream remains alive for Dorgu

While Patrick Dorgu's call-up to Denmark's senior national team is a significant milestone, it does not yet close the door on his potential to represent Nigeria in the future.

According to FIFA's eligibility rules, participating in UEFA Nations League matches won't permanently cap-tie him to Denmark. Dorgu could still switch his international allegiance to Nigeria, provided he hasn't played more than three senior competitive matches before turning 21.

Importantly, appearances in the UEFA Nations League don't fully satisfy the competitive match requirement, leaving Dorgu the option to consider a future with the Super Eagles.

Super Eagles suffer setback as Denmark move to cap highly-rated prospect
Patrick Dorgu

Dorgu, who is eligible to play for Nigeria through his father, has previously hinted at the possibility of representing the Super Eagles. In March, he acknowledged his African roots but stated that he had not yet made a decision regarding his international future. 

“I haven't thought about that. Everyone dreams of being able to represent their country.

“I was born in Denmark and have African roots, and right now I haven't thought about having to make a choice. I just play football and let it come with time,” Dorgu told Bold.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.