Bologna star Zirkzee open to representing Nigeria

Bologna forward, Jonathan Zirkzee, is open to representing Nigeria at the senior level.

Zirkzee, 22,was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and Nigerian mother.

Despite already representing the Netherlands at youth level, the striker can still play for the Super Eagles.

The former Bayern Munich player hinted that he will be willing to switch international allegiance if he does not receive a call-up from the Netherlands senior team.

“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 via soccernews.

“Nigeria has Boniface from Leverkusen and 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 they even pulling on me? Maybe.

“But my dream has always been the Dutch national team. And the European Championships are not necessarily a crossroads. Like, if that doesn’t happen then, I’ll look further.

“I’d be grateful if it did happen. If not, I have to make sure they call me. You hope to be there one day.”

Zirkzee has scored 11 goals in 43 league appearances for Bologna since his arrival at the club from Bayern Munich in 2022.