Bundesliga record-holder snubs Super Eagles, picks Germany

Nigerian-descent goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has made a significant declaration about his international future after setting a new Bundesliga record for the fifth longest clean sheet streak by a goalkeeper.

Atubolu, 22, achieved this milestone during Freiburg’s 0-0 draw against RB Leipzig on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

He also surpassed the previous club record of 500 minutes without conceding a goal, set by Richard Golz in the 2001-2002 season, by maintaining a clean sheet for 510 minutes.

The young goalkeeper, born to a German mother and a Nigerian father, has not conceded a goal since January 25, 2025, in a match against Bayern Munich.

His stellar performances have caught the attention of both the German and Nigerian football federations, as he is eligible to represent either country at the international level.

In an interview following his feat, Atubolu revealed his aspiration to play for the German national team, Die Mannschaft.

“My goal is to represent Germany at the senior level

“I’ve been part of the German youth setup for years, and it’s a dream to play for the senior team,” Atubolu said.

Atubolu has already earned caps for Germany at the U17, U19, and U20 levels and has played 15 games for the U21 squad.

His recent form has also put him on the radar of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials, who are keen to persuade him to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles.

As Germany prepares for its March international matches against Italy, manager Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly monitoring several Nigerian-descent players, including Atubolu and Eintracht Frankfurt’s center-back Nnamdi Collins.

Atubolu’s decision to prioritize Germany over Nigeria could be a significant blow to the Super Eagles, who are in search of a reliable backup goalkeeper for current first choice Stanley Nwabali.

Meanwhile, in a bizzare development, former English Championship striker Oluwasanmi Odelusi, 31, has been found guilty of raping a drunk woman while she slept in an Airbnb.

The ex-Bolton Wanderers, MK Dons, and Coventry City winger, who retired in 2020 due to injury, now faces jail time after the harrowing details of the attack emerged in court.

Odelusi, who had been mentoring young footballers and serving as a church usher, was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court following a disturbing account of the night in question.

According to prosecutor Charles Evans, the victim, a 27-year-old woman, had traveled from the USA with two friends to celebrate Thanksgiving in London.

The group stayed in an Airbnb flat in Shoreditch, east London, and went clubbing on the evening of Friday, November 26, 2024.

After consuming multiple tequila shots at Reign nightclub in Piccadilly, the group invited Odelusi and his footballer friend Ryan Sellers back to their Airbnb at around 4 or 5 AM.

Odelusi initially attempted to enter the victim’s room but was told she was not interested.

He then went into her friend’s room and engaged in consensual sex before being asked to stop.

Later, Odelusi entered the victim’s room and raped her while she was unconscious.

“She awoke and realized someone was having sex with her, but she was unable to speak,” Evans explained.

After the assault, Odelusi returned to the friend’s room while the victim went back to sleep.

The next morning, the victim confided in a friend, who urged her to report the attack.

Police were contacted, and an investigation was launched.

CCTV footage and a photograph from one of the women confirmed that indeed the incident occurred.

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