According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria on Monday, October 26, 2026, Germany have made a bid to stop Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Simeon Rapsch from playing for Nigeria’s U23 team by inviting the highly rated teenager to their U-19 squad.

The development could complicate Nigeria’s efforts to secure his international commitment.

According to the report, the 18-year-old shot-stopper had been approached by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who wanted him to represent Nigeria’s U-23 team as part of preparations for the country’s Olympic qualification campaign.

Rapsch, who stands at almost two metres tall, is regarded as a promising goalkeeper at Bayer Leverkusen.

He has reportedly trained with the German club’s first team on a couple of occasions while serving as the first-choice goalkeeper for their reserve side.

Chelle had identified the youngster as a potential addition to Nigeria’s goalkeeping options, with the intention of monitoring his development at U-23 level before considering a possible promotion to the senior national team.

The report disclosed that Chelle contacted Rapsch’s representative, who subsequently arranged a meeting with the goalkeeper’s parents.

Following discussions, a decision was reportedly reached for the youngster to represent Nigeria.

However, Germany’s subsequent invitation to their U-19 team has thrown the situation into uncertainty, raising the possibility that Rapsch could reconsider his decision and continue his international career with the European nation.

Despite the latest development, discussions between the parties involved are reportedly ongoing as Nigeria attempts to convince the goalkeeper to commit to the country.

One significant obstacle is that Rapsch has already represented Germany at U-19 level.

As a result, any move to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria would require the necessary clearance under FIFA’s eligibility regulations.

His situation presents another challenge for Chelle as the coach continues to identify eligible players of Nigerian descent and strengthen the country’s options ahead of the forthcoming U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nigeria are targeting progress through the U-23 competition as part of their route towards qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Securing Rapsch’s services would potentially add another promising young goalkeeper to the country’s developing pool of talent.