Expdonaloaded Sports News; England choice: Aluko defends Alli, Ibe

HULL City midfielder Sone Aluko feels the negativity surrounding Liverpool and Tottenham youngsters Jordon Ibe and Dele Alli’s decisions to play for England instead of Nigeria is natural hu­man reaction but should be understood in proper context.On Thursday, Alli made his Three Lions debut in a game against Estonia while Ibe announced his decision to await an Eng­land call up to coach Sun­day Oliseh last month.


Aluko, who also had to make the decision to represent Nigeria instead of England more than six years ago, said it’s one of the biggest choices a play­er with dual nationality has to make.
While the 26-year-old chose Nigeria, his older sister Eniola chose to play for the English women national team and reached the World Cup semi finals in June.
“I think it’s very, very tough,” Aluko told Goal at the Campos Mini Sta­dium on Saturday where he was guest of honour at the COD Ambbasador’s Cup. “I grew up in the UK, UK academy, UK football, all you know is English football and that set up which is very orga­nized, highly structured and you can see a clear pathway.
“So to leave that and come to the somewhat un­known Nigerian football, you hear many stories of what Nigerian football could be like. It’s a big step for anybody.”
Aluko, scorer of both goals as Nigeria drew 2-2 with South Africa in Calabar last year, a draw which meant the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, has been work­ing with National League side COD United, which has invested in youth football development via the Ambassador’s Cup open to players below 17 years.