The 25-year-old had not shown interest in playing for the Super Eagles before, but he has now changed his mind, saying he is open to representing Nigeria at the international level
Dominic Iorfa Jnr has revealed he is ready to represent Nigeria despite playing for England at various youth levels.
However, his comments have not gone down well with several Nigerians, who said he is not needed in the Super Eagles team.
Iorfa, who is the son of former Nigerian international, Dominic Iorfa, was born in England and has never hidden his wish to play for the Three Lions despite his father’s affiliation with the Super Eagles.
But with his chances of representing England reducing day by day, Iorfa revealed he is ready to switch international allegiance to Nigeria should he get a call-up from Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr.
“Yea, it’s something I’m opened to. Before I grew up with the England setup in itself, but now I am at the stage where I’m ready to commit, Iorfa told The SWFC.
Dominic Iorfa open to switching allegiances from England to Nigeria if the opportunity arises? 🇳🇬⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Qws0xA5NzT
— The Star SWFC (@TheStarOwls) November 7, 2020
“So if anything must happen, we will see about it. I mean, I’ll be happy to play for them (Nigeria). “It’d be an honour to play for them, obviously my father played for them as well”, Iorfa added.
However, his comments angered many Nigerians, who took to Twitter to hit back at the Sheffield Wednesday defender.
@DominicIorfa Nigeria is a nation, it's not by force to represent Nigeria, but dont disrespect us by referring to Nigeria as "them" , like you're doing us a favour, Now run along and focus on your club career, no chance with the @NGSuperEagles
— Dozie Owums (@DizzieBillion) November 7, 2020
Big insult to Nigerians. Play for them. Then u will not play for them because we dont want u.
— mbah mbah (@MMbah001) November 7, 2020
Most of this lads get this thing wrong. First they play hard to get, when they now realise England won't caĺl them up, they then try this line of granting interviews and openly admitting they'll commit to Nigeria.
I blame the Nigerian Football Federation though for most of this— Peter Ebenhe #Eben (@PEbenhe) November 7, 2020
I remember when he was doing us shakara, look at God
— Alan Smith (@Mo_Abdul14) November 7, 2020
No man.
Go play for the 3 Lions.
No space here too— Godwin Nathaniel (ANIPR) (@Naplaymaker) November 7, 2020
We don’t want pls Nigeria is not a dumping ground, stay where you are.
— 🧚🏿 (@t0misinn) November 7, 2020
"Play for them " means he don't see himself as a Nigerian. I guess u will hv to wait for 3 lions call.
— Chet chet (@shichet) November 7, 2020
Dominic Iorfa of @swfc says he is ready to commit to play for Nigeria. Get your Nigerian passport, call the coach and the NFF and state that you are ready. Then wait for your chance. Nigeria won't chase anybody, the players have to make the move. Talking to a camera is not enough https://t.co/MpFXka5lpm
— NigeriaFootball360 (@NFootball360) November 7, 2020
Who him won bench? He isn't even as good as any of the boys in his position.
Make he wait, England go call am. https://t.co/1wPBD3yx56— Uniport Graduate (@charlescapone4) November 7, 2020
Lol did his dad not say… anyways not good anough, no thanks https://t.co/vVpI7u0kAP
— jezz (@jeremy_liit) November 7, 2020
Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if Rohr would consider handling the former Wolves star a call-up to the Super Eagles squad.