Nigeria lost out in the attempt to lure American-born Ike Opara to the Super Eagles as the player got his first call-up into the USA National team ahead of the friendly game against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
As a young player, Sporting Kansas City defender Ike Opara was a regular on the United States U-23 and U-20 national teams. But while many of his teammates progressed to the next natural step the U.S. men’s national team Opara stayed behind, injuries derailing his advancement.
Ike Opara got his Career back on track in 2017.
And he’s back in the U.S. men’s national team picture in 2018.
The 28-year-old player received a call-up to join the Americans for the annual January training camp in Carson, Calif. It’s his first career call-up to the senior team.
Opara’s inclusion to the Super Eagles team would have provided more depth in the defense as Coach Gernot Rohr is on the lookout for more options as backups to the current players, Williams Troost Ekong, Leon Balogun.
In recent times, Hibernian of Scotland defender, Efe Ambrose has also been touted to get a recall into the National team ahead of the World Cup to provide the adequate back up needed.