Zirkzee Ends Dream to Feature for S’Eagles after Debut for Netherlands 

  Kunle Adewale Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF), hope to lure Dutch-Nigerian forward, Joshua Zirkzee to don the Super Eagles colours, have ended in futility after all, after the 23-year-old, become cap-tied to the Netherlands after featuring in their 2-1 win over Türkiye in the quarterfinal of the 2024 European championship played at Olympiastadion Berlin on Saturday night. 

Samet Akaydin gave Türkiye the lead in the 35th minute with a terrific header from Arda Güler’s precise cross before the Netherlands drew level.  The equalizer came from another wonderful header from Stefan de Vrij in the 70th minute which came as a result of Memphis Depay’s cross.

The Dutch would get the winner through an own goal from Mert Müldür after Denzel Dumfries had attempted to cross the ball into the onrushing Cody Gakpo who was initially given credit for the goal. To protect his side’s lead, the Oranje head coach Ronald Koeman, brought on Zirkzee for Xavi Simons for the final three minutes of the game.

  Due to his short time on the pitch, the Manchester United linked forward was unable to exert his influence on the game with Türkiye pushing hard for the equalizer which eventually eluded them. By coming on as a substitute in the competitive fixture, the 23-year-old has become cap-tied to the Netherlands and can no longer play for Nigeria.