According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria on Monday, October 26, 2026, Germany have moved to prevent Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Simeon Rapsch from representing Nigeria’s U-23 team by inviting the highly rated teenager to join their U-19 squad.

The development could make it more difficult for Nigeria to secure the young goalkeeper’s international allegiance.

The report stated that the 18-year-old had attracted the attention of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who wanted him to represent Nigeria’s U-23 team as the country prepares for its Olympic qualification campaign.

Standing at almost two metres tall, Rapsch is considered a promising goalkeeper at Bayer Leverkusen. He has reportedly trained with the club’s senior team on several occasions while serving as the first-choice goalkeeper for its reserve side.

Chelle reportedly viewed the teenager as a potential addition to Nigeria’s goalkeeping options, with plans to monitor his progress at U-23 level before possibly promoting him to the senior national team in the future.

According to the report, the Nigerian coach contacted Rapsch’s representative, who subsequently arranged a meeting with the goalkeeper’s parents. Following the discussions, an agreement was reportedly reached for the youngster to represent Nigeria.

However, Germany’s decision to invite him to their U-19 squad has introduced fresh uncertainty, raising the possibility that he could reconsider his reported commitment to Nigeria and continue his international career with the European country.

Despite the latest development, discussions involving the parties concerned are reportedly continuing as Nigeria seeks to persuade the goalkeeper to commit to the country.

One potential complication is that Rapsch has already represented Germany at U-19 level. Consequently, switching his international allegiance to Nigeria would require the appropriate approval under FIFA’s eligibility regulations.

The situation presents another challenge for Chelle as he continues searching for eligible players of Nigerian descent to strengthen the national team’s options ahead of the upcoming U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nigeria are hoping to progress through the U-23 competition as part of their efforts to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

If Nigeria successfully secures Rapsch’s services, the goalkeeper could become a valuable addition to the country’s emerging pool of young football talent.