Peseiro reveals plan to lure Atalanta’s Italy U21 defender Okoli to play for Nigeria

Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro says he is monitoring Nigerian players in the Serie A and plans to involve Ademola Lookman in his bid to lure Atalanta prospect Caleb Okoli to play for the Super Eagles.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen tops the list of Nigerian players currently playing in the Italian top flight. Others are Torino’s Ola Aina, Cremonese’s David Okereke and Cyriel Dessers, Empoli’s Tyronne Ebuehi, and Udinese’s Isaac Success and Kingsley Ehizibue.

Peseiro has added Okoli, the Italy U21 international whose family has Nigerian connections to his list.

Peseiro told TMW: “We want to convince him to play for Nigeria. We will try.

“After this friendly match against Portugal, there will be time to talk to him and to understand his decision. Whether he wants to play with us or not.
“I will talk to him through (Ademola) Lookman’s brokerage.

“I will show him my model, what I think of him, the project we can have together with Nigeria.”

Meanwhile Peseiro has hailed Roma coach, Jose Mourinho.
“I’ve worked with him and we are good friends. He has proven to have enthusiasm and motivations over the years. He opened the door for many Portuguese coaches, proving that we have a strong school. We all have to thank him. At first, he won without money at Porto, then he became a fighter. He has created something everywhere he’s gone, bringing enthusiasm, attention, and results.”