Ovie Ejeheri, a teenage goalkeeper for Arsenal, has stated that he wants to play for Nigeria internationally even after been qualified to play for either of Uganda and the Three Lions England.
Despite his qualification to play for two different countries, the talented young Arsenal’s goalkeeper has made it clear that he prefers to represent Nigeria.
Ejeheri can represent England because he was born in London and he can also play for Uganda because his mother is from Uganda, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
Nonetheless, the 20-year-old who has been with Arsenal since as he was a member of their Under-9 squad and progressed through their academy to sign his first professional deal in August 2021 feels a strong bond with Nigeria.
Ejeheri said to Channels Television, “I remember when we won the Africa Cup of Nations with Amuneke, that’s when I was young and I really love football back then so I was watching it a lot”.
“It was really inspirational to see and I would really like to play goalkeeping because I want to be one of the Nigerian goalkeepers that people remember for the rest of their lives”.
“I had the opportunity to [join an u20 Flying Eagles training camp] last year but I had to stay because I was on loan. It was a difficult decision, but I had to do it to play men’s football”.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot from my dad who is from Nigeria. Of course, I adore the cuisine, as well as the church, music, and culture”.
“There are so many things about Nigeria that I adore, and since I haven’t been there in a while, I must go back. I honestly can’t recall when I was there, but hopefully this summer. I adore Nigeria””, he admitted.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola
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