Nigeria have moved a step closer to securing one of South America’s brightest young attacking talents, with River Plate prospect Jonathan Spiff Asuzu earning his first call-up to the Flying Eagles, Footynaija.com reports.
The 18-year-old striker, who was born in Palermo, Buenos Aires, to a Nigerian father and Argentine mother, has opted to represent Nigeria ahead of Argentina at international level. His decision, confirmed earlier this year, is a significant boost for the Nigeria Football Federation’s drive to attract top dual-national players.
Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has included Asuzu in his training camp squad ahead of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. The camp will provide Zubairu with his first opportunity to assess the teenager closely. If selected for competitive action, Asuzu would be provisionally cap-tied to Nigeria.
It has been a whirlwind week for the River Plate forward, who also received a promotion to the club’s reserve team for Wednesday’s Proyección Tournament fixture against Godoy Cruz. His rise follows a prolific spell with the club’s youth sides, where he gained a reputation for clinical finishing and intelligent movement.
Asuzu’s footballing roots run deep in his Nigerian heritage. Inspired by his father, Godwin Asuzu, and a lifelong admirer of Super Eagles icon Austin Okocha, the youngster blends technical flair with impressive pace and a sharp eye for goal.
Jonathan Spiff Asuzu. He’s a Nigeria-Argentina born centre-forward who plays for River Plate. He’s born to an Argentinian mother and a Nigerian father.
Nigeria have been trying to get him to switch nationality for some time now. pic.twitter.com/ppOb7opb68
— (@8Flavs) July 19, 2025
Coaches in Argentina praise his ability to read the game and his composure in front of goal, whether shooting with his left or right foot.
Earlier this year, Asuzu travelled to Morocco with River Plate’s U19s for the Mohammed VI Football Academy international tournament, giving him his first taste of African football.
Jonathan Spiff Asuzu is now officially part of the Flying Eagles squad.