Gbemi Arubi, the Dublin-born Nigerian forward, continued his stellar form for Dundalk with a decisive goal in their 2-1 victory over James Olayinka’s Derry City at Oriel Park on Friday night, further strengthening his case for a potential Super Eagles call-up. The 22-year-old’s performance in the League of Ireland Premier Division clash has drawn increasing attention from Nigeria Football Federation scouts, who are closely monitoring his development. Although Arubi has represented the Republic of Ireland at the U19 level in two friendly matches, he holds a Nigerian passport and has expressed openness to playing for the Super Eagles at the senior level.
Dundalk took an early lead through Daryl Horgan’s first-half goal, but Derry City equalized in the 58th minute via Cameron Dummigan. However, Arubi quickly restored Dundalk’s advantage just under two minutes later with a clinical close-range finish. He capitalized on Horgan’s precise cross, which found him in space near the goal line, showcasing his sharp movement and finishing ability. The goal not only secured all three points for Dundalk but also highlighted Arubi’s growing importance in the team’s attacking setup.
This season, Arubi has been a consistent contributor, reaching double figures for goal involvements in the 2026 campaign. He has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions, demonstrating his reliability and versatility as a two-footed forward. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several European clubs reportedly showing interest in him ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Scouts from various leagues are evaluating his potential, making him a player of growing significance in the international football landscape.
Arubi’s dual nationality and eligibility for Nigeria offer a unique opportunity for the Super Eagles, especially as the team seeks to strengthen its attacking options. His technical skills, pace, and goal-scoring instinct align with the kind of talent Nigeria aims to develop and integrate into its national squad. While he has yet to receive a formal call-up, his consistent performances in the Irish top flight continue to build his profile on the global stage.
As the transfer window approaches, Arubi’s name is likely to feature in discussions among Nigerian football officials and European clubs alike. His journey from Dublin to becoming a key player for Dundalk and a potential Super Eagles prospect underscores the growing presence of Nigerian talent across international leagues. The future looks bright for the young forward, and his continued progress could soon see him representing Nigeria on the world stage.
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