Nigeria or Netherlands? Oranje boss Koeman reacts to Joshua Zirkzee’s national team decision dilemma

22-year-old Joshua Zirkzee who plies his trade in Italy is egligible to play for Netherland and the Nigerian national team

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has named in-form forward Joshua Zirkzee in his provisional squad for upcoming international fixtures, Soccernet.ng reports.

Just days ago, the Bologna forward expressed his considerations about representing either the Super Eagles of Nigeria or the Dutch national team.

Zirkzee previously indicated that if the Oranje did not extend an invitation, he would contemplate playing for Nigeria.

“Choosing Nigeria? It’s not easy to say, If the Netherlands aren’t calling, then I’ll choose Nigeria.

“Are they even calling? Maybe. The competition there for attackers is perhaps just as great as in the Dutch team. Nigeria has (Victor) Boniface, (Victor) Osimhen and many more attackers,

“My dream has always been the Dutch national team. However, the EURO is not necessarily a crossroad. If that doesn’t happen then, I’ll look further.” he said as quoted by Eurofootcom.

Now, in response to Zirkzee’s remarks, former Barcelona boss Koeman, now at the helm of the Netherlands national team, has weighed in as they prepare for their first international matches of the year.

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Zirkzee has excelled at Serie A side Bologna since departing Bayern Munich, tallying 10 goals and 6 assists in 28 appearances thus far.

With potential call-ups on the horizon, Zirkzee’s aspirations of donning the national team jersey may soon materialize as the Oranje prepare to face Scotland and Germany in March.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories.

Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work.

With a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master’s Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.