Patrick Dorgu, a talented left back eligible to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, recently caught the attention of top Premier League clubs, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. The 19 year old Lecce player, who made an impressive debut for Denmark by scoring 47 seconds after coming off the bench in a UEFA Nations League match against Switzerland, remains eligible for Nigeria as he has yet to earn more than three caps for Denmark.
bet9ja.com
Dorgu enjoyed a standout 2023-2024 season, 34 matches for Lecce’s first team. His performance has drawn the interest of major clubs, but a potential move to the Premier League was halted due to Lecce's €30-35 million price tag. Tottenham had considered adding him to their squad, and Chelsea also evaluated a possible transfer, but negotiations did not progress.
Dorgu, originally from Copenhagen, joined Lecce from Nordsjælland’s youth academy in 2022, and his current contract with the Italian club runs until June 2027.
bit.ly
Editorial
bet9ja.com
Patrick Dorgu’s meteoric rise on the European football stage is a clear sign of his exceptional talent, and his eligibility to represent Nigeria adds an intriguing dimension to his career. The fact that Premier League giants like Chelsea and Tottenham showed interest in Dorgu demonstrates the growing recognition of his abilities, and Nigeria should keep a close watch on this young player as he develops.
bit.ly
Dorgu’s remarkable debut for Denmark, scoring within 47 seconds of entering the game, highlights his readiness for high level competition. While his commitment to Denmark is not yet solidified, Nigeria has a genuine opportunity to bring him into the Super Eagles fold. With his versatility as a left back, he could fill a critical role for the Nigerian national team, which has struggled in recent years to secure a consistent defensive lineup.
bet9ja.com
The substantial price tag placed on him by Lecce may have deterred Premier League suitors, but it’s a clear indicator of the value the club sees in the young defender. Nigeria, too, should recognize the importance of courting players like Dorgu who can bring international experience to the team. By securing such talents, the Super Eagles can strengthen their squad and compete more effectively on the world stage.
bit.ly
We hope to see Dorgu in Nigerian colours soon, and the NFF should make every effort to convince him to choose the Super Eagles over Denmark. His addition to the team could be pivotal in upcoming international competitions.
Did You Know?
Patrick Dorgu was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, but remains eligible to play for Nigeria despite representing Denmark at youth levels.
[Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have a history of signing](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/news/transfer-news/chelsea-inquire-about-signing-nigerian-midfielder-who-scored-on-debut/) African players, including notable Nigerian talents like John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses.
The UEFA Nations League, where Dorgu scored his debut goal, is a relatively new competition, having started in 2018 to replace international friendlies.
Lecce, the club where Dorgu currently plays, is based in Italy's Serie A, one of the top five European leagues.
Nigeria has a long history of dual-nationality players, including stars like Emmanuel Olisadebe, who switched allegiances during their careers.