Stromsgodset of Norway Nigerian midfielder Jack Ipalibo has expressed his desire to one day get a call-up to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Ipalibo joined Stromsgodset from Spanish side Villarreal, after featuring for their Team C from 2016 to 2020.
The 23-year initially joined Stromsgodset on loan in the 2019-2020 season and made 19 appearances.
He then joined the Norwegian club on a permanent transfer in the summer of 2020. And so far in the 2020/2021 season he has scored three goals in 15 appearances in the league.
And following his impressive displays for Stromgodset, Ipalibo told completesports.com he hopes he gets a call-up to the Eagles soon.
“Of course if I’m given the opportunity to play for my country I will love to do that with pride, I mean that’s the dream of every player. I’ve got friends and colleagues who are with the national team now I am happy for them and hope to join them soon.
“Though I’ve not yet been contacted but I’ll be glad to hear from them as they’re monitoring every Nigerian player in Europe.“
Ipalibo described the current campaign in the Norwegian top flight as difficult.
Stromsgodset are currently seventh on 29 points, eight points from a European qualification spot, in the 16-team league table.
Despite their current position, Ipalibo posited they are doing well compared to last year.
He said:”Well, to be honest it’s been a tough season against tough opponents and many demands from coaches and club as a whole. But I think we are doing better than last year individually and collectively.”
On what is responsible for his impressive goal returns this season, he admitted it has to do with changing his position in midfield.
“Yeah, I think it’s because I changed my position. Last year I was more of a holding midfielder I had a meeting with the new coach of my team he wanted me to play more offensive midfield, kind of box to box player.“
He added:“The change is last year I was always on defensive role, defensive midfield or centre back, I am far from the opponents goal. This year I am more closer to the opponents goal now, shooting, heading, running and all that. So far I’ve scored three goals hopefully more before season ends.“
On the possibility of returning to Spain and playing in England:“As a Nigerian my dream is also to play in England. but right now I feel Spain is good to play.”
And if he has had offers:“I’ve had few calls though but we’ll see what happen at the end of season.“
