26-year-old Nigeria-eligible star firms up Eagles audition with rocket to set record

Michael Folorunsho continues to announce himself as a potential star of the future by thundering home a sensational long-range strike to fire Hellas Verona to a 1-0 victory over Lecce.

The 26-year-old Nigerian loanee from Napoli collected a pass from Tomas Suslov before unleashing an unstoppable rocket that arrowed into the top corner from 25 yards out on Sunday.

It was a moment of magic befitting of Folorunsho's growing "Personality" in Serie A, as described by OptaPaolo.

Since the turn of the year, no player across Europe's top five leagues has scored more goals from outside the box than the midfield gem.

His thunderbolt maintained Verona's solid mid-table position in 13th and extended their buffer over the relegation zone to five points with 10 games remaining.

But while the Gialloblu will be delighted with the impact of their loan star, there is an increasing clamour from Nigerian football fans desperate to see Folorunsho turn out for the Super Eagles soon.

Eligible for both Nigeria and Italy, the all-action midfielder is yet to be capped at senior international level.

However, performances like this will surely have the Super Eagles’s scouting team sitting up and taking notice.

With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Folorunsho could hardly have timed his rise better if he wanted to stake a claim for a spot in Nigeria's squad for that tournament.

His goalscoring talent from range is an X-factor the Super Eagles could certainly utilize.

And at 26 years old, Folorunsho could be hitting the top peak for his temporary home in Italy.

For now, though, he will let his football do the talking as he continues to make his case - with rocket-fuelled strikes like this weekend's winner enhancing his growing "Personality" with every game.