Michael rejects Ukraine, pledges loyalty to Nigeria

OLYMPICS Eagles' star, Babatunde Michael, has rejected offers to play for Ukraine after the Ukrainian Football Federation tried to lure him to play for the host of the 2012 European Championship.Instead, he pledged allegiance to Nigeria, hoping that he would get a call-up to the national team. Ukraine's national team coach, Oleg Blokhin, is convinced that the Kryvbas midfielder would fit into his plans and this prompted him to urge the federation to woo the player after watching the Nigerian's exploits in the league.Michael has already been capped at the junior level for Nigeria but could still be eligible to play for the Ukrainian senior side if he accepts the offer. Unconfirmed reports from a source close to Super Eagles' coach, Samson Siasia, has said the player might be considered for next month's LG Cup in Morocco.However, the talented star said he would not switch allegiance despitereceiving such offers: 'I am who I am thanks to Nigeria,' he said. 'There is a chance for me to play for Ukraine, but I have never taken this into consideration. It would be crazy to say yes to the call now and then refuse one in the future. I am always available for the Nigerian coach.'A source close to Siasia said the gaffer was ready to hand the Kryvbas winger his first call-up to the senior national team after being informed that the Ukraine Federation was set to fast-track the Heartland former teenage sensation into its Euro 2012 plans.
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