RB Leipzig forward Thomas Ayodele is open to playing for Nigeria at senior international level, sources close to the player have exclusively told Footy-Africa.
The 19-year-old, who is eligible to represent both Nigeria and the Netherlands, is understood to favour a future with the Super Eagles despite having featured for the Dutch at youth level.
Ayodele has been capped by the Netherlands at Under-15 and Under-19 level, scoring two goals in seven appearances for the U-19s.
However, a source close to the winger revealed that he “really fancies the Super Eagles” and would be willing to commit his international future to Nigeria.
‘Aim was to leave PSV’ – Ayodele targets first-team chance at Leipzig
Born in the Netherlands, Ayodele visited Nigeria in 2025 and has been seen wearing the national team jersey on several occasions and the gestures that have fuelled speculation about a potential switch of allegiance.
Those close to the player say his immediate focus remains on establishing himself at club level.
“The plan is for him to break into the RB Leipzig first team first,” the source said. “Then discussions about his senior international career can begin.”
Ayodele joined Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in January but is yet to make his senior debut.
He began his football journey at hometown club Almere City before joining Feyenoord’s academy in 2020 at the age of 12. During his three years in Rotterdam, he earned recognition at youth international level with the Netherlands.
In January of the 2023-24 campaign, he moved to PSV Eindhoven’s Under-17 side and quickly progressed through the ranks. Last season, he featured for PSV’s Under-21 team in the Dutch second tier, contributing three goals and six assists in 18 appearances before sealing his switch to Germany.
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
Should Ayodele opt to represent Nigeria, he would follow in the footsteps of other Netherlands-born players who have featured for the Super Eagles, including former captain William Troost-Ekong and defender Tyronne Ebuehi.
