Nigerian foreign-born footballers eagerly awaiting national call-up
The world is replete with footballers of Nigerian descent making waves at notable clubs, with a burning desire to turn out for Nigeria despite a plethora of opportunities and privileges associated with representing their countries of birth. The following nine footballers, driven by a compelling bond beyond common reasons, optimally treasure their Nigerian heritage and eagerly await call-ups to any of the Nigeria national teams in fulfilment of their dreams, GODWIN AIKIGBE
TOSIN ADARABIOYO
POB: Paddington, London, England Age: 27 Position: Centre back Current club: Chelsea
Like Super Eagles mainstays Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina, Adarabioyo, represented England at the age-grade level, but remains eligible to represent Nigeria through descent.
After sensationally previously reported to have turned down an approach by the Nigeria Football Federation to be part of the Super Eagles, he had opened the door to a potential call-up in 2020, expressing his desires of playing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with either England or Nigeria. He has now opted for the latter, affirming, ”I want to play for the Super Eagles” in a viral report.
CHUBA AKPOM
POB: Newham, England Age: 29 Position: Forward Current club: Ajax
Another Nigerian descent seeking a spot in the Super Eagles striking force permeated by top-class strikers, Akpom also represented England at the various youth levels and was reportedly approached by Nigeria in 2016.
Three years later, he confirmed his interest in representing Nigeria during an interview with BBC Sport, stating, “It was a personal decision. I’m Nigerian, and my whole family feels veryNigerian, and it will be nice to represent Nigeria.”
Like others, the Ajax star is eagerly awaiting a call-up to the Super Eagles.
BROOKE NUNN
POB: London, England Age: 31 Club: Central Coast Mariners Position: Midfielder
The veteran midfielder, who represented England at all age-grade levels, currently plies her trade with Central Coast Mariners, qualifies to represent Nigeria through her maternal heritage. She recently shared her passion for joining the Super Falcons, a dream she describes as an honour and personal fulfilment.
She said, “I get my Nigerian heritage from my mother, who is half Nigerian and half German,” Nunn revealed.
“She was born in England, as was I, but I lived in a foster home from an early age. I see a reflection of this potential [Nigerian spirit] in me, and I think being part of the team [the Super Falcons] would be an honour and achievement for me as a footballer. It’s something that fulfils you. I find it very motivating, and I want to be a symbol of this possibility.”
GERMAN ONUGKHA
POB: Moscow, Russia Age: 28 Position: Forward Currentclub: Copenhagen
The vastly experienced FC Copenhagen forward is now open to representing Nigeria after rejecting a call-up to the Russian national team in September 2024. To achieve this dream, Onugkha, who has a Russian mother and Nigerian father, desperately wants to acquire his Nigerian passport.
“I decided to say no because I wanted to focus on my next club, my future, and therefore I said that it would be better for me to stay here in Europe,” he recently told reporters after his unofficial debut for Copenhangen.
“During the next month I will try to get a Nigerian passport because my father is from there. So, I will go to the embassy here in Copenhagen and see if I can get it; then we will see.”
PRAISE ADEBO
POB: Scotland Age: 21 Position: Forward Current Club: Stenhousemuir FC
Born to Nigerian parents in Scotland, the towering forward is uncapped by her country of birth at any level, which means that she doesn’t require a nationality switch to represent Nigeria.
Adebo, who could succeed AsisatAshoala in the Super Falcons attack, said it would be a dream come true to receive an international call-up from Nigeria.
“It would be a dream to represent Nigeria internationally,” she boldly affirmed.
JUSTIN NJINMAH
POB: Hamburg, Germany Age: 23 Position: Forward Current Club: Werder Bremen
Njinmah is one of several Nigerians born abroad eyeing a spot in the Super Eagles attack currently overflowing with quality strikers.
He is uncapped by Germany at any level and now dreams of playing alongside Victor Osimhen in the Super Eagles attack. At 23, the dream could become a reality shortly, and the player says he is highly motivated by the fact the NFF is monitoring his performance.
DAVID STOCKBRINK
POB: Germany Age: 16 Position: Forward Current Club: Monchengladbach Academy
Stockbrink, a striker rapidly fledging at Monchengladbach Academy, is determined to play for Nigeria and undeterred by the retinue of top-quality strikers at the various national teams.
His mother, Augustina, is his chief motivator in this wise, with the Umunede-born, married to a German national, recently revealing why her son has admiration for the Super Eagles.
She said, “I will be very proud for my son to represent my country, Nigeria. Germany has a lot of players; however, I want him to play for Nigeria because he was born and brought up in Germany, so representing Nigeria will give him more opportunity to be part of his roots. It won’t be out of place for him to switch nationality and play for Nigeria. He loves the country, and he would like to get an invitation to play for the Nigerian national team soon. It would be great to play for Nigeria.
“I know there are a lot of quality players and competition in every position, but David is not bothered by that because it is part of his job to fight for a shirt if given a chance.
“Victor Osimhien is his favourite among the Eagles players, and maybe that has to do with the fact that they play in the same position.”
VICTORIA EZEBINYUO
POB:Ettenheim, Germany Age: 22 Position: Defender Current Club: SC Freiburg
Another Nigerian descent with unalloyed roots attraction, Ezebinyuo was born to a Nigerian father and German mother and currently plies her trade with SC Freiburg.
Largely unfulfilled representing Germany at youth level, she has confirmed that she’s open to representing Nigeria at international level.
“I would be interested in obtaining a second citizenship so that I can play for the Nigerian national team,” said the young defender, who anticipates a call-up to the Super Falcons ahead of the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations billed to run from July 5 to 26, 2025, in Morocco.
SIMONE REILLY
POB: Republic of Ireland Age: 16 Position: Forward Current Club: Bohemian FC
Currently on the radar of Arsenal and West Ham United, Reilly was born to an Irish father and a Nigerian mother, but her connection to her Nigerian heritage is propelling her determination to represent the country on the international stage.
She was part of Nigeria’s provisional squad for the last U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia but failed to make the cut for the tournament. She suffered the same fate as regards the U-17 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off in Dominican Republic on Wednesday (today).
Despite these disappointments, Reilly would continually consider Nigeria her first choice and will keep knocking on the door with consistent sterling performances at club level.
“It has always been my dream to play for Nigeria. Despite being eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland, Nigeria has always been my first choice,” Reilly said at Falconets camp.
