Michael Folorunsho sparked talks about joining the Nigerian national football squad after his impressive performance for Hellas Verona on Saturday.
Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, the 26-year-old midfielder drew similarities with Zinedine Zidane’s famous goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League final after his incredible effort against Juventus.
Folorunsho has shown tenacity and resolve throughout his journey to this point.
His professional career began in 2017 at Virtus Francavilla in Serie C, having spent three years in Lazio’s development academy without earning a berth in the senior team.
Scouts from Napoli ultimately saw him and signed him to the Serie A team in 2019.
Loan agreements with other teams, such as Bari and Pordenone, aided in his development into a potent player.
With eight goals for Bari in Serie B last season, Folorunsho’s outstanding play almost catapulted the team into Serie A.
He joined Hellas Verona for the 2023–24 season, driven to establish himself at the highest level. He has adapted to Serie A with ease, making 24 appearances while dishing up three goals and one assist.
One of Folorunsho’s most impressive goals recently, evoking memories of Zidane’s famous volley, came against Juventus.
The amazing volley by Zinédine Zidane in the 2002 championship game!
When he raised the #UCL for the first time,MMuICEBvP7 https://t.co/pic.twitter.com/MQGarfsUuh
— July 9, 2019 UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague)
Along with his excellent goal against AS Roma last month, Folorunsho also provided an assist in the second half as Hellas Verona held off Juventus to earn an exciting 2-2 draw.
Is Folorunsho the final piece in the Super Eagles’ midfield jigsaw after Italy failed to see his potential on the international scene?
Is Folorunsho necessary for the Super Eagles?
Despite being born in Italy to Nigerian parents, Folorunsho is eligible to represent Nigeria overseas.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire has demonstrated the significance of having a player with Folorunsho’s attributes in the Super Eagles midfield.
After losing to the host country 2-1 in the championship match, Nigeria came in second place overall.
Due to a lack of elite midfield players to carry out head coach Jose Peseiro’s favored 4-3-3 system, the Super Eagles struggled to switch to a 3-4-3 configuration during the competition.
Oghenekaro Etebo’s unavailability and injuries to important players like Wilfred Ndidi prevented Nigeria from having a physical presence at the AFCON.
With a deeper midfield role assigned to him, Alex Iwobi found it difficult to fill the hole.
The necessary dynamism could be supplied by Folorunsho’s versatility, since he can play as an attacking, central, or defensive midfielder.
Folorunsho, who is well-known for his inventiveness, defensive prowess, and goal sense, has a style that the Super Eagles need.
Although he isn’t a particularly good passer, his ability to regain the ball and connect with the striker in front of him should enhance Nigeria’s attacking energy, especially when paired with star striker Victor Osimhen.
The debate of whether Nigeria should call up Folorunsho for the upcoming international window remains as the preparations for the upcoming AFCON get underway.
This Serie A star’s possible acquisition could play a significant role in the Super Eagles’ quest to become African champions once more.
