Nigerian Soccer Coach Vogts explains interest in German-born duo

Super Eagles Coach, Berti Vogts, has explained why he is interested in having Germany-based Chinedu Ede and Dennis Aogo play for the team.

Ede, who currently plays as a striker with German club Hertha Berlin, has already featured for Germany?s Under-19, 20 and 21 sides.

The German coach is also looking in the direction of SC Freiburg midfielder Dennis Aogo, another member of the German under-21 side who could switch allegiance to Nigeria under new FIFA rules.

FIFA?s rules on international eligibility allow a footballer capped at junior level to represent another country as long as he possesses dual nationality and makes the request to change nationality while under the age of 21.

Vogts is hoping to persuade the duo to play in Nigeria?s subsequent 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

?They are both bright prospects that will bring so much to the Nigerian team,? Vogts told BBC Sport.

?They qualify to play for Nigeria because of their fathers and I have been monitoring their performances.

?Even though they?ve played for the German youth sides, I am hoping that with the new FIFA rule we can have them play for the Nigeria national team,? Vogts said.

Berlin-born Ede has a German mother but his father hails from Enugu State.

Karlsruhe-born Aogo has been with Freiburg since August 2002 and has a German mother while his father hails from Ondo State.

The 20-year-old Aogo had apparently been keen on playing for Nigeria in the past but accepted a German under-21 call-up when he felt he had been overlooked by handlers of the Flying Eagles.

?It will be a dream come true to play for Nigeria someday, I think my father would really be proud of me.

?I have a Nigerian team mate (Seyi Olajengbesi) and I know a lot about the country from him, my father and from my last visit there in 2005.

?I?ve read about Vogt?s interests in me and it will be a great achievement to play for Nigeria,? Aogo explained.

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