Germany and Switzerland are said to be monitoring FC Zurich defender Daniel Kelechi Ihendu after the 21-year-old received a call-up to Nigeria’s Under-23 side, with both European nations reportedly interested in securing his future senior international allegiance.
The 6ft 4in central defender, who is also capable of operating as a sweeper, is expected to link up with the U-23 Eagles in Kinshasa ahead of their AFCON/Olympics qualifying match against DR Congo on November 13.
Ihendu has earned favourable attention in Germany and Switzerland since leaving Werder Bremen for FC Zurich last season. He spent six years in RB Leipzig’s academy, joining at 14 and remaining there until he was 20, before moving to Bremen. He has also previously featured for Germany’s Under-15 and Under-17 national teams.
Berlin-based Nigerian businessman Tony Emeka said Germany and Switzerland are both making serious efforts to attract the defender.
“Yes, I can confirm with full authority that Germany and Switzerland are strongly chasing Daniel,” Emeka said.
Emeka said Germany had tracked Ihendu well before his move to Switzerland, dating back to his spell at Werder Bremen. “Germany had already identified this player when he was at Werder Bremen,” he said. “They have watched his development and performances very closely, particularly because of his time with the RB Leipzig youth set-up and the Germany youth teams.”
He added that Ihendu’s transfer to Zurich had increased interest in the player, saying the Swiss Football Association had sought talks with his representatives. “His switch to FC Zurich increased the attention around him after the Swiss federation asked for a formal meeting with his representatives, which I know about,” Emeka said.
Emeka called on the Nigeria Football Federation to move quickly to ensure the defender commits his international future to Nigeria. “I only hope the NFF do what is necessary and cap him soon before Germany or Switzerland convince him to leave,” he said.
However, he believes Ihendu’s father will play an important role in keeping the player with Nigeria. “I have faith that his father will not permit that,” Emeka said. “It was his father who pushed for Daniel to accept the U-23 Eagles invitation, and the boy is very happy about the opportunity.”
Emeka also views the fixture in Congo as a potential route towards the Super Eagles, particularly because Eric Chelle is in charge of both Nigeria’s senior and Under-23 teams. “I wish Daniel and the U-23 Eagles success in the AFCON qualifier against DR Congo,” he said. “That can open up his path to the Super Eagles because Eric Chelle coaches both sides. I hope Chelle is watching him closely.”
