West Ham youngster Michael Dare has expressed interest in representing Nigeria at the U‑20 level, according to reports. The 19‑year‑old has attracted attention in East London with his impressive performances for the Hammers’ youth team and is confident he can add value to the Flying Eagles ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Nigeria qualified for the FIFA U‑20 World Cup from Africa alongside champions Senegal, runners‑up Gambia and fourth‑place Tunisia. The competition will run from 20 May to 11 June, but the venue remains undecided after FIFA stripped Indonesia of the hosting rights.
Born in Oyo, Dare joined Fleetwood Town three years ago before a loan spell at non‑league side Stafford Rangers, where he caught the eye of West Ham scouts and earned a place in the club’s youth ranks. He now plays with the Hammers U‑23s and has been described as “tricky and pacy,” possessing the agility required of a modern left winger.
“I understand that the competition is tough, with many talented players vying for a spot on the squad, but I remain optimistic that my performance at club level will speak for itself and result in a call‑up,” Dare told The … “My dream is to represent Nigeria at youth level and hopefully the senior national team someday. I will be glad to play for my country; if I get the opportunity, I will grab it.”
At the global level, the Flying Eagles have won two silver medals and one bronze, and have reached the quarter‑finals when Nigeria hosted in 1999, as well as in Canada in 2007 and Colombia in 2011. The host for the 23rd edition of the U‑20 World Cup is still to be announced following FIFA’s decision to remove Indonesia due to alleged failure to meet its commitments.
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