While players born overseas featuring for Ireland has been a regular occurrence down through the years, we have seen a few examples going the other way in recent times.

Roberto Lopes is the most well-known example, with the Dubliner having become an established international player with Cape Verde in recent years. He has already featured at the African Cup of Nations and is set to play a starring role at the World Cup this summer.

Another player could join that list over the coming weeks, with Waterford native Owen Oseni called up to the Nigeria squad for the upcoming international window.

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Ireland Youth Star Keeping International ‘Options Open’

With the increasingly diverse population in Ireland, it is likely that more and more footballers born in this country could end up playing for other nations over the coming years.

Dundalk player Gbemi Arubi is someone who could have the option to go down that road at some point. The 21-year old was born in Dublin and has represented Ireland up to U19 level, but he is also eligible to play for Nigeria.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, the striker said he is open to all options on the international stage as he continues on his journey in professional football.

I am young and still eligible for the U-21s, so that’s another option in the next window. If the Ireland U-21s come knocking I will be ready to play.

But I have to keep my options open as well and what’s happened with Owen Oseni has made people think.

I am Irish, I grew up here but my parents are Nigerian, I have been there a few times and it’s good to have options, I have a strong connection with both countries, I can’t close any doors – it would be an honour to represent either one.

It will be interesting to see how his career develops over the coming seasons.

The FAI have the cast the net far and wide in recent times in a bid to find players eligible for Ireland, but they will no doubt also be keen to ensure that footballers born in this country stay within their system instead of declaring for other nations.

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