London, ENGLAND:
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.
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."
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 Kanedoubled the tally.
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.
Ali was the best man in 2006 at his father's wedding to second wife Lola. Image: Sunday Mirror. |
This 2015 snap is the last one of Dele Alli together with his mum Denise. Image: Sunday Mirror. |
Dele with his father Kehinde in 2010 Image: Steve Bainbridge/Sunday Mirror) |
Alli races away from Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi. Image: AFP. |
SOURCE: Sun.
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