The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Nwakali sets sights on World Cup
New Aberdeen signing Chidi Nwakali wants to use his loan move to Aberdeen to get into Nigeria’s World Cup squad.
That is the view of Dons manager Derek McInnes, who has picked up the Manchester City midfielder on a deal until the end of the season.
Nwakali will be available for next weekend’s Scottish Cup tie against St Mirren, providing he is granted a work permit.
Nwakali was part of the Super Eagles U17 squad that won the World Cup in 2013 in the United Arab Emirates, where the 21-year-old joined up with his new team-mates yesterday. He has yet to make his debut for the senior national team but is a regular at youth level.
McInnes said: “Manchester City have been keen for players to come to Aberdeen and develop their game with us.
“This is one we have been working on over the last couple of months and I’m delighted to get it done.
“Chidi is hoping to make the Nigerian World Cup squad and he is with us in Dubai.
“I am sure he will prove to be a valuable addition.”
Nwakali has spent the first part of the season on loan at Norwegian side Sogndal.
He has had stints with Malaga’s B side, Girona and IK Start.
The Aberdeen manager said the departure of Greg Tansey to Ross County on loan for the rest of the campaign helped free up the finances to bring in Nwakali.
“I’m OK with the numbers in the squad because of the young ones in the squad and it gave me the opportunity to do something as well,” he said.