Striker, Ike Ugbo has revealed the reason he chose to commit his international career to Canada ahead of Nigeria.
Ugbo had played for the England’s U17 in 2020 and had reportedly began the process of switching eligibility to Nigeria.
The Troyes striker revealed that, although he did not grow up in the West African country, he always felt a strong attachment to his Nigerian roots, even through friends.
‘So it was easier for me to choose Nigeria, even when I did not have my childhood or any significant experience in Nigeria,’ Ugbo explained.
However, the Chelsea academy graduate did not feel wanted and the whole eligibility process was hindered because neither the NFF nor then Super Eagles head Coach, Gernot Rohr reached out.
The Striker, who is now heading to the FIFA World Cup with Canada, adds to the long list of players of Nigerian descent who will line up for other Nations in Qatar 2022.
He joins Sam Adekugbe also of Canada, Noah Okafor and Manuel Akanji of Switzerland as well as Jamal Musiala and Karim Adeyemi for Germany and Bukayo Saka who will line up for England.
It is also worthy of note that the new president of The Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau has declared his administration will move away from the old policies of drafting foreign-born talents in the National teams, in order to promote home grown talents.
