England beat Nigeria to QPR midfielder Ebere Eze calling him up to their U20 team

SUPER Eagles target Ebere Eze has been called up to the England U20 team ahead of their upcoming games against Italy and the Czech Republic threatening plans by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to cap him.

Eze, 19, is a highly rated playmaker and trained with the Super Eagles last year at the insistence of head coach Gernot Rohr. NFF staff and Coach Rohr have been eyeing him as a long term replacement for skipper Mikel Obi and Nigeria he lead to secure his international future but his performances in the last few games for QPR has made England take notice of his abilities.

Nigeria now face a tough battle to secure his international services following his call-up to England youth team for the first time. His form at English Championship side QPR this season has made him a target for several English Premier League teams but he was once again snubbed by Coach Rohr when the squad for the double header against Libya was released.

Eze is still eligible for Nigeria as the NFF can still apply to Fifa for him to switch allegiance even if he plays for the England youth team. However, with England coach Gareth Southgate handing debuts to young promising players, he may likely cap Exe too to tie him down and keep him beyond Nigeria's reach.