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Liverpool defender Jordan Ibe has committed his international future to England rather than Nigeria, the Premier League club have confirmed.
The 19 year old, who arrived at Anfield from League Two side Wycombe Wanderers as a 16 year old in 2012, qualifies to play for either nation, but having played for Gareth Southgate’s Under 21 side twice this month in addition to the Under 18, 19 and 20 squads, it appears he has made his final decision.
“It was my choice and it feels the right choice for me,” Ibe told Liverpool’s website after Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh revealed the decision.
“I was born here and have played in the younger age groups. I want to take it up to the first team one day.”
The Nigerian head coach had been keen to recruit the full back, but took to Twitter to admit defeat; “Jordon Ibe’s family informed me by a telephone call that he was giving priority to an England call-up. We wish them well.”
Ibe, who was born in London, played for the Under 21 side against USA Under 23 before featuring against Norway.
“It was great and I enjoyed myself,” Ibe said. “I felt as though Joe (Gomez – Ibe’s Liverpool team-mate) and I did well. It was a great experience and I’m looking forward to the coming games.
“You want to represent your country well. Even at times when you’ve not got games for Liverpool, doing well with England is vital.”
On a senior level, England manager Roy Hodgson has also hinted that the Liverpool player could feature when his side take to the field in October’s Euro 2016 qualifiers, having already confirmed their place in Euro 2016.
Hodgson said former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has told him of Ibe’s potential.
“Gerrard said: ‘We have got this young lad, he is something special.’ He had the same feeling about Raheem Sterling,” added Hodgson, before adding; “We must be careful. People take their time. There is competition in his place.”
Having been a regular for Liverpool this season, it’s now time for Ibe to cement his place in his club’s starting line-up, with international calls not too far in the distant future.
