The handlers of the Nigerian national team could soon add to their attacking options a former England youth international
KRC Genk forward Ike Ugbo has explained his decision to play international football for Nigeria after representing England at the youth level.
Born in Lewisham, Greater London, Ugbo qualified by birth to play for England, and he excelled for the country's under-17 and under-20 teams.
As recently as 2017, the forward scored once in three appearances as England's under-20 side won the Toulon Tournament.
But despite being at Chelsea before he turned ten and signing his first professional contract with the Blues in 2017, Ugbo did not make a single appearance for the senior team in four years.
And after spending time on loan at Barnsley, MK Dons, Scunthorpe United, Roda JC, and Cercle Brugge, Ugbo left the European Champions for Genk permanently this summer.
His low-profile transfers have dimmed the 23-year-old's chances of representing the Three Lions, but he insists he could have earned his place with time.
But talking to the PA news agency as per Denbighshire Freepress, Ugbo confirms that his Nigerian father's love for the Super Eagles and the better chance of fulfilling his ambitions played crucial parts in his decision of dumping England.
“I know I could wait, but I felt, when there are big competitions coming up, I want to make my name,” he said.
“Who knows, I could end up at the World Cup next year.
“Dad always wanted me to play for Nigeria because that's where he was born and brought up. That's one thing he would love.”
Ugbo earlier confirmed that he has already applied to FIFA for a change of nationality and that the application is already in progress.
That is the same reason Beyonce isnt my girlfriend because I didn’t pick her.
He picked the only country that was ever going to offer him.
Honestly
No comment
Whatever option he picks is pretty his decision.
Good luck to him playing for us.
He just needs to keep improving himself to get to the top level in European football and at country level.
NonNONo
NonNONonso is a confused man and needs to be confined to a psychiatric clinic No
Nwanne no try come naija..naija na bad luck except you go like life injury
Nonso is deranged and that’s the reason for his nonsensical opinion. An Ipod misfit for sure.
IK. We need footballers like you. Pls come and play for Naija so we can restore our lost footballing glory.
Ugbo is a good talent ,and we more of good talents to balance the team
Honestly, I would be happy and overjoyous if IKE meets up with Nigeria starting 11… Bcos I believe in you man, you’re a professional and also you’re skilled.
I don’t know why my spirit keeps telling me that it’s an option after no other options.
The most valid opinion so far
Nigeria is not a dumping ground If he did not make for first 11 ,he is coming here is of use . consider US 94 and Atlanta 96
Did he really dump England or was it the other way round?
He can stay without a national team and still progress further
Medicine after death, looking for a way out after he’s not making headway with the English national team. No way, Nigeria isn’t a dunking ground for unused players
Hmm
So after all these years , you finally realized your dad will want you to play for Nigeria , it’s a pity , let’s just speak the truth okay , you found out the English team isn’t favourable to you so you are trying to fit in somewhere else , nobody is saying not to come though but you’ll warm the bench still
For me coming home is good because no place like home and besides we don’t have a lost glory our glory is still in us just that the corruption and pride selfishness and envy swallowed the glory I come in peace welcome home bro good luck
After flopping and rejected by the country they chose ahead of Nigeria, that is when they’ll remember Nigeria. Demola Lookman and Tammy Abraham are also considering changing nationality.