Split portrait of Nigeria-eligible midfielders Tim Iroegbunam on the left in a Hull City shirt and David Ozoh on the right in a Derby County shirt, both smiling


Nigeria's bid to strengthen its midfield with dual-national talent has stalled, as head coach Eric Chelle has so far failed to secure David Ozoh and Tim Iroegbunam for the Super Eagles. 

The claim emerged in a 9PN post alleging the Nigeria Football Federation has lost its pulling power for eligible players abroad, stating Chelle identified both midfielders as targets but the federation could not finalize their switch.

Ozoh, 20, is a Crystal Palace academy product now at Derby County, where he made 32 appearances on loan before completing a permanent move. Born in Valencia, Spain to Nigerian parents and raised in England, he represented England at Under-18 level in five friendly matches. 

His switch to Nigeria does not require FIFA clearance, only a release letter from the English Football Association confirming it will not contest the change. The midfielder has committed to Nigeria and Chelle reportedly wants him, but the clearance remains the final step.