Venezuela have stepped up their efforts to secure the international future of highly-rated Granada youth team forward Mario Obi Dike Asprilla, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.
The Venezuelan Football Federation have stolen a march on their rivals in the race for the services of the quad-national teenager, handing Obi a call-up to the U17 national team.
The 16-year-old, who has been in impressive form for Granada’s Cadete A side, is eligible to represent three other nations due to his family background.
Obi, who is eligible for Venezuela through his mother, also qualifies for Spain where he was born, as well as Nigeria and Colombia through his father and grandmother respectively.
The highly-rated teenager enjoyed a prolific 2025-2026 campaign in front of goal and as a creator, recording 12 goals and 10 assists.
His impressive performances established him as Granada Cadete A's main attacking threat.
Obi will take part in a series of training sessions with the Venezuela U17 national team in the South American country and will remain with the squad until June 29.
He will become provisionally cap-tied to Venezuela and would need Fifa approval to switch allegiance to Nigeria, Colombia or Spain should he be selected and feature at the 2026 Fifa U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Discussions (0)