Cole call-up questioned

Hammers striker likely to be ruled out of Nigeria bow

Last updated: 5th August 2008

Carlton Cole West Ham United Peterborough Pre Season Friendly

Cole: Nigeria problem

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

West Ham striker Carlton Cole looks certain to be ruled out of making his international debut for Nigeria.

Cole was included in a 20-man squad by Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu for the clash with South Africa early next month.

But current Fifa guidelines mean that the former Chelsea forward is likely to be deemed ineligible to play for the Super Eagles.

The Croydon-born forward was a regular member of England's Under 21 squad earlier in his career and turned down previous call-ups from Nigeria, saying instead he wanted to play for his homeland.

Under Fifa guidelines, players who represent one country at junior level are allowed to switch to another country provided they are still under the age of 21.

With Cole, who has a Nigerian father and Sierra Leonean mother, due to turn 25 in November, playing for Nigeria appears to be out of the question.