Ex-Bayern teen star confirms he's open to playing for African giants

A former Bayern Munich star has confirmed he would relish the opportunity to represent a certain African giant at international level if his European country of birth does not call him up. 

The changing of allegiance has become somewhat of a phenomenon over the past decade, with stars such Declan Rice, Tariq Lamptey and Inaki Williams, to name just a few, having switched nationalities at senior international level.

Read: AFCON star: I was a GK until mom made me change position

Many others are still being courted by national teams, with Morocco's pursuit of Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz being a notable example currently.

As such, former Bayern star Joshua Zirkzee has now confirmed his willingness to represent Nigeria as he still awaits his first senior national team call-up for the Netherlands.

The 22-year-old, who was highly rated by many as he came through the Bavarians' youth set-up before deciding to leave the club in 2022 in search of regular first-team game time, has been in productive form this term for Bologna, registering nine goals and four assists to help the Italian team to fourth place in Serie A.

Having only represented the Netherlands U21 side so far in his fledgling international career, the centre-forward has confirmed he would be open to wearing the Super Eagles' colours.

"But Nigeria is not a country that you just choose because you cannot play for your homeland. The competition there for attackers is perhaps just as great as in the Dutch team," Zirkzee told Algemeen Dagblad.

"Nigeria has [Victor] Boniface from [Bayer] Leverkusen and [Victor] Osimhen from Napoli. And they have many more attackers.

"It's not like I can think for a moment: The Netherlands isn't calling, then I'll choose Nigeria. Are