The chances of Arnold Groeneveld Danjuma switching nationality to Nigeria received a boost when the Villarreal winger was snubbed by coach of the Netherlands Louis Van Gaal.
Danjuma was widely expected to be given a call up after excelling in the UEFA Champions League game against Manchester United despite his team suffering a 1-2 defeat.
He followed that performance with a brace against Real Betis but he still wasn’t considered good enough for a call up. Something which he said if it doesn’t change he will be forced to consider the option of representing Nigeria.
Danjuma told NOS: “I think I have a better chance of being called up to the Dutch national team again if I assert myself at Villarreal. That is certainly a goal.”
He added: “Yes, of course. I have to be honest: at a certain point time runs out.
“I have always consciously chosen the Dutch national team and I would really like to play for Oranje again. But of course I can’t wait until my thirties to do that. I also really want to play football as an international and experience a major world tournament.”
16th of October will make it 3 years since he played for Holland at the age of 21
He will be eligible again in eleven days time per FIFA rules on players willng to switch nationality after playing for the senior team of another country.
Players can now switch if they have played no more than three competitive matches at senior level prior to them turning 21. Appearances in World Cup finals matches or continental finals such as the European Championships would prohibit a change of eligibility. However, appearing in a tournament qualifier would not.