FIFA clears Aina for Cameroon, Nigeria clash

Nigeria has received clearance from FIFA for Chelsea defender, Ola Aina, to make his international debut in the World Cup qualifier against Cameroun, tomorrow, in Yaounde.

Coach Gernot Rohr said Aina, who can play at right-back or left-back, could now line up in Yaounde as the Super Eagles look for a second victory in four days over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun.

“FIFA have approved Ola Aina, who can now play for Nigeria,” Rohr said in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where the Super Eagles thrashed Cameroun 4-0 on Friday to take a giant stride towards qualification for the finals in Russia.

Aina, who is on a season-long loan at English Championship side, Hull City, was scouted by the Super Eagles to fill a gap in the full-back positions.

The player was born in London to Nigerian parents. Although, he has a Nigerian passport, Aina has represented England at various junior levels, and so needed to apply to change his international allegiance.

Rohr had hoped to use Aina in the first clash against Cameroun on Friday, but the FIFA clearance did not arrive in time.Nigeria have nine points from three matches in Africa zone qualifying group B, while Cameroun remain on two points.