First Republic of Ireland U21 call-up for red-hot Dundalk forward on Nigeria's radar

The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed Ireland U21 squad for the upcoming friendlies against Croatia and Qatar this week, with two players of Nigerian descent included in the travelling party.

Dundalk forward Gbemi Arubi and Peterborough United defender David Okagbue have both been named in the squad selected by Ireland U21 head coach Jim Crawford for the trip to Zagreb.

The FAI noted that Arubi's inclusion is a reward for his impressive form in the League of Ireland Premier Division, earning him a return to international duty and his first U21 call-up since representing Ireland at U19 level.

Born in Dublin, Arubi is eligible to represent Nigeria through his father, and the Nigeria Football Federation have been monitoring the 22-year-old forward, with a view to a potential future call-up to the Super Eagles.

However, the Football Association of Ireland have now moved ahead of their Nigerian counterparts in the race for the services of the exciting attacker, who has earned widespread praise for his performances this season.

Including his match-winning goal against Derry City last Friday, Arubi has registered four goal involvements (three goals and one assist) in his last five League of Ireland Premier Division appearances.

Before this U21 call-up, Arubi had been in the international wilderness for four years, with his last appearance for the Boys in Green coming in a friendly against Iceland in June 2022.

As the matches against Croatia and Qatar are friendlies, he will not be provisionally cap-tied to Ireland during this international window.