The landscape of international football is witnessing an intriguing trend where players of Nigerian descent are expressing their desires to represent Nigeria despite having the opportunity to play for their countries of birth. These players, inspired by a strong bond to their Nigerian roots, are navigating the often-complex paths of nationality and identity. The burgeoning interest among this diverse group is exemplified by nine footballers who, driven by passion and a sense of belonging, eagerly await their chances to don the green and white of Nigeria. Their stories highlight not only their individual aspirations but also a broader narrative of cultural connection in the world of football.
Tosin Adarabioyo, a 27-year-old centre-back playing for Chelsea, is an illustrative example of this trend. Adarabioyo, who has represented England at youth levels, previously declined an opportunity to join the Super Eagles. However, he has since reaffirmed his desire to play for Nigeria, expressing a commitment that resonates deeply with the ethos of many players of Nigerian heritage. Similarly, Chuba Akpom, a 29-year-old forward currently with Ajax, previously engaged with England’s youth setup. He confirmed his intention to represent Nigeria in 2019, emphasizing the personal significance of this decision. For Akpom, the connection to Nigeria is rooted not only in heritage but also in familial pride, and he eagerly anticipates a call-up to the Super Eagles.
Brooke Nunn, a 31-year-old midfielder with Central Coast Mariners, adds further depth to this narrative. Having a mixed heritage, Nunn identifies her Nigerian roots through her mother and sees representing Nigeria as a fulfilling honor. Her aspiration to join the Super Falcons highlights the increasing involvement of women in football, driven by a strong desire to connect with their heritage. German Onugkha, a 28-year-old forward from FC Copenhagen, has taken his dedication to Nigeria a step further by rejecting offers from the Russian national team. He now seeks to obtain his Nigerian passport, showcasing a commitment to representing Nigeria that aligns with similar sentiments shared by his fellow players.
Young aspirants are also making their ambitions known. Praise Adebo, a 21-year-old forward from Stenhousemuir FC, is uncapped at any level by Scotland, presenting him with the opportunity to represent Nigeria without complications. His aspirations reflect a shared yearning among players like Justin Njinmah, who dreams of scoring alongside Victor Osimhen in the Super Eagles. At just 23, Njinmah is aware that a call-up could arrive sooner rather than later as he remains on the Nigeria Football Federation’s radar. Additionally, David Stockbrink, the 16-year-old striker with Monchengladbach Academy, represents the younger generation’s enthusiasm for connecting with their roots. Guided by his mother’s wishes, he views playing for Nigeria as an exciting opportunity to embrace his heritage despite the challenge posed by a competitive national team.
Victoria Ezebinyuo, a 22-year-old defender playing for SC Freiburg, shares a similar story, having been born to a Nigerian father and a German mother. Although she played for Germany at youth levels, her unfulfilled ambitions have fostered a desire to represent Nigeria. Meanwhile, Simone Reilly, another promising talent of mixed heritage, continues to pursue her dream to play for Nigeria despite setbacks at youth competitions. Currently associated with Bohemian FC, Reilly’s commitment to Nigeria showcases that even young players can remain dedicated to their heritage, viewing it as a vital part of their identity—one that transcends mere nationality.
The cases of these players represent a microcosm of a wider phenomenon in football: the search for identity and belonging among young athletes. As they reconcile their sporting ambitions with a deep sense of cultural connection, these footballers are paving the way for a new generation of players who regard their roots as essential to their identities. The growing anticipation for call-ups to the Nigerian national teams underlines a shift in perspective that is making waves in international football. As more talents of Nigerian descent strive to represent their heritage, the understanding of what it means to be true to one’s roots continues to evolve, enriching the tapestry of global football culture. Above all, their collective journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of identity, family, and dreams in the world of sports.
