Nigeria battle England for Noni Madueke

Nigeria is trying to prise PSV starlet Noni Madueke away from the England setup.

Former Tottenham forward Madueke, 18, is the latest target for Nigeria in their attempts to convince dual nationality English players to switch allegiances.

Madueke has played for England from under-16 up to under-19 level and has emerged as the latest British youngster to star abroad.

But he is also eligible for Nigeria through his parents and they want to tempt Madueke by handing the teenager a senior international call up.

Madueke left Spurs to join PSV in June 2018 and impressed for their youth sides before making his senior debut last season.

This year looks set to be Madueke’s breakout campaign after his stunning start in the Eredivisie and Europe.

Madueke has scored four times and set up four more goals in just 11 appearances.

Only three of those appearances have been starts and he displayed his potential once again with a two-goal performance off the bench in PSV’s 4-0 win over Den Haag on Sunday.

Nigeria’s interest represents a dilemma for Madueke.

While his form in Holland could earn him a promotion up the England youth ranks, perhaps to Aidy Boothroyd’s under-21s, Africa’s second-highest ranked nation want him for their first team now.

Nigeria’s readiness to fast track talent has proved a successful approach and helped them persuade former England youngsters including Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses to change who they represent at international level.