NFF moves for Hertha Berlin’s Jordan Torunarigha ahead of World Cup

Germany based centre-back Jordan Torunarigha has been linked with a switch of allegiance to Nigeria ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The defender, who plays for Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin, has received a proposal to join the Super Eagles several months ago.

His father, Ojokojo Torunarigha, made 12 appearances for the Green Eagles in the 1990s.

The Germany U-21 international is eligible to feature for both Nigeria and Germany as his agent Thomas Zorn told German publication B.Z that the 20-year-old must listen to his heart.

“That’s true. We have such a request from the NFF, and the paper added that Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has tried for several months now to win over the centre-back,” Zorn said.

“Jordan must listen to his heart.

“This request is a huge honour, and also a confirmation for his great development. But I think his journey for the German FA is not over.”

Hertha coach Pal Dardai said that while “the World Cup is a huge chance for him, it might be better for his development if he first plays for Germany’s U21.”

“Maybe, he can even play for Germany one day,” he concluded.

Torunarigha was born on August 7, 1997 in Chemnitz, Germany. He joined Hertha BSC at the age of 9 but made his debut for the first team in February 2017 and has made 21 appearances for the club in all competitions.

He has been named in Germany’s squad for the forthcoming U21 European Championship qualifiers against Israel and Kosovo.

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