Football lovers who watched the England’s pre-World Cup friendly with Nigeria on Saturday seem to have a beef with Dele Alli each time the footballer gained access to the ball. Bamidele Jermaine Alli, popularly known as Dele Alli, is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team. Born on April 11, 1996 to Nigerian father, Kenny and English mother, Denise, Alli was raised in Milton Keynes. In the run-up to the World Cup when a national team was being assembled for Nigeria, Alli opted to play for his country of birth, England. This didn’t seem to sit well with Nigerian football fans who see his decision as not good enough. Alli is not new to controversy, though, as FIFA once banned the England midfielder for one international match following his middle-finger gesture in the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Slovakia late 2017. He was also fined 5,000 Swiss francs (£3,852) by the governing body, which described the gesture as “offensive and unsporting.” Nigerians took to Twitter to discuss why Alli was booed throughout the Nigeria-England Friendly, which England won 2:1. See the trend: Nigerian fans booing Dele Ali ’cause he snubbed his fatherland for England, ??? I bet most English fans don’t even know he’s half Nigerian #ENGNGA — Ibadan Lord ?? (@degosTee) June 2, 2018 The booing Dele Ali got from time to time was my favourite moments from the match. ?#EngNga — Amebo Talkaltive (@oyimzy) June 2, 2018 Is anyone else mad that Dele Ali is playing against us? #ENGNGA — Nami (@DaGreatSEA) June 2, 2018 Dele Ali is getting booed by the Nigeria fans cos he’s naij?? — MikeOG? (@_MikeOG) June 2, 2018 Dele Ali could have played for Nigeria. Iwobi chose to. Both made the right decisions for themselves. Point is, do what is best for your own career? — Dr. Dipo Awojide (@OgbeniDipo) June 2, 2018 So dele Ali no sing Nigerian anthem ? — T800 (@Suguain) June 2, 2018 Dele was born in Milton Keynes! haha. He had a Nigerian dad who left him and his English mum. He plays for the country of his birth!!! — A Mac (@ketobud) June 2, 2018 Why are we booing Dele Ali? Because he dropped his Nigerian name or nationality? — Ayobami (@dondekojo) June 2, 2018 “Dele Ali getting some strange treatment from the Nigeria crowd, getting booed every time he touches the ball, strange Clive…” Bamadele Ali Playing for England Against Nigeria Strange Clive ??? — Oritsé Smith (@ola_fisayo) June 2, 2018 Don’t come and stress me, is Bamidele English? — Munachimso Shalom (@munashalom) June 2, 2018 Lol yesss!!! … born and bred in England. Do u not understand? … a name means nothing about up bringing!. stop the hate. — A Mac (@ketobud) June 2, 2018 Nigeria cannot forgive person sha — OBA of EzikeOba (@nnabuikekings) June 2, 2018 he cannot reap where he did not sow — eddietorti (@torti_kalu) June 2, 2018<doc-sep>Dele Alli is getting booed by Nigeria fans at Wembley Some people were confused by it England got off to a great start against Nigeria today, taking the lead in the 6th minute through a Gary Cahill header. However, the most notable moment of the opening stages came when Dele Alli was loudly booed every time he touched the ball. Advertisement It wasn't clear initially why he was booed by the away fans, who had travelled to Wembley in big numbers. Dele hadn't hit anyone yet, or dived to win a penalty, so what could have angered them so much? As it turns out, the boos are thought to be the Nigerian fans' way of venting their frustration towards the Spurs midfielder for choosing to play for England instead of Nigeria. He was born in Milton Keynes to a English mother and a Nigerian father, with whom he famously has a complicated relationship. Having dual nationalities is a complex and deeply personal thing, and footballers really shouldn't be berated for choosing one side over the other. It's also possible, although unlikely, that there was a large Arsenal contingent in the away end, there to support their player Alex Iwobi, and they were taking every chance to boo a Tottenham player. Dele didn't allow the boos to get to him, though, and put in a solid performance in the centre of the pitch, combining well with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling ahead of him. Advertisement<doc-sep>Dele Alli is being booed by Nigeria fans at Wembley When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. The England ace found himself being booed by fans at Wembley after seemingly infuriating the Nigeria fans. And it appears to be down to his decision to represent England rather than Nigeria. Alli’s father is Nigerian, but he was born in England and grew up here. Alli first represented England in 2015 and made his 24th appearance today at Wembley but it was overshaddowed somewhat as he was repeatedely booed by fans when on the ball.<doc-sep>
NIGERIA fans booed Dele Alli at Wembley because he was playing for England and not them. The Tottenham star has a Nigerian father, but he was born in England and has lived in the country since birth. 4 Dele Alli in action against Abdullahi Shehu at Wembley Credit: Reuters Loud boos echoed around the stadium when Alli touched the ball during the World Cup warm-up match. Alli made it clear from the off that he would pursue his international career with the Three Lions. He progressed through the youth ranks and made several appearances at Under-17 and Under-18 level. England fans flocked to Twitter to defend the 22-year-old star, with one stating: "Dele Alli is getting booed for playing for England rather than Nigeria, guys he was born in Milton Keynes." Why are Nigeria fans absolutely pelting Dele Alli with boos?! — Shelley Johnson (@shelleyj89) June 2, 2018 Dele Alli is getting boo'ed for playing for England rather than Nigeria, guys was born in Milton Keynes!! 😂😂😂😂 #ENGNGA — Arun Sharma (@ArunSharma2015) June 2, 2018 Special boos for Dele Alli from the Nigerian fans. Sure you know why. — Akin Oyebode (@AO1379) June 2, 2018 4 Alli was born in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd One Twitter user joked that Alli was receiving the barrage of abuse for his new hairstyle. The 22-year-old's typically black hair has been flecked with what appears to be dabs of blonde highlights. John Obi Mikel says Nigeria are up for ‘tough test’ against youthful England side in World Cup warm-up match Alli did not let the fans get under his skin as he patrolled the midfield for Gareth Southgate's side, who were 2-0 up by half-time. Gary Cahill opened the scoring after seven minutes, before Spurs ace Harry Kane doubled the tally. 4 Dele Alli celebrates England's second goal with Harry Kane Credit: PA:Press Association In 2016, the England international changed the name on the back of his shirt because he felt "no connection with the Alli surname." The Tottenham star has since decided to stick the name 'Dele' on his jersey. 4 Alli races away from Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi Credit: AFP or licensors