Nigeria may lose Toronto FC striker Ayo Akinola to USA
By Toju Sote
Nigerian-born Toronto FC striker Ayo Akinola has undoubtedly been the standout player of the MLS Is Back tournament, scoring five goals in three matches and this has raised speculations that he will be called up to the USA national team in the coming months.
The 20-year old is eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents and Canada where he was raised and Akinola has revealed that he held talks with USA coach Greg Berhalter at the MLS Is Back tournament.
Coach Berhalter had suggested that Akinola would be called up to the USA Olympic squad before he is considered for the Stars and Stripes.
If he gets to be capped by the USA, Akinola will join a long list of players of Nigerian descent who have played for other countries, notably Onyewu Oguchi who pledged allegiance to the USA ahead of Nigeria.
