Nigerian Eligible Duo Debut For USA

  Nigerian Eligible Duo Debut For USA By Admin Super Eagles-eligible duo George Bello and Daryl Dike made their senior debuts for the United States as they hammered Trinidad and Tobago 7-0 in an international friendly staged in Florida on Sunday. Atlanta United defender Bello and Orlando City striker Dike entered the game as substitutes in the 65th minute, wearing the number 21 and 19 jersey respectively. Jesus Ferreira, Paul Arriola and Jonathan Lewis all scored twice, Miles Robinson also got on the scoresheet as USMNT began 2021 with a comprehensive win. USA coach Gregg Berhalter handed debuts to six players, including Bello and Dike who are age-eligible for the CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship. The two American-Nigerian footballers making their first appearance for United States does not cap-tie them to the country as it was not a competitive game. Bello received a maiden call-up to USMNT following a breakout 2020 season, starting 19 matches in Major League Soccer and totaling 1,648 minutes. Oklahoma-born Dike was one of three finalists for the AT&T MLS Young Player of the Year award after finishing the regular season with eight goals and four assists for Orlando City.