Categories: EPLNewsNewsNowNigeria

“Dad always wanted me to play for Nigeria” – Ex-Chelsea star on choosing the Super Eagles

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.

Imhons Erons

View Comments

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons
Tags: Chelsea

Recent Posts

“What are they waiting for?” – Arsenal cult hero Kanu Nwankwo tells NFF to seal Eguavoen deal

Former Super Eagles star Kanu Nwankwo has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to appoint Augustine… Read More

1 hour ago

Nwabali names Osimhen and former Arsenal and Chelsea stars among Nigeria’s top five football greats

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has revealed his list of the top five Nigerian footballers… Read More

3 hours ago

“He’s a good footballer”- Ex-Manchester City striker begs Sevilla to back Iheanacho despite slow start

Former Manchester City striker has urged Sevilla fans to rally round Super Eagles striker Kelechi… Read More

3 hours ago

“My salary was N5m a month” – Ex-Super Eagles coach demands fair pay for Nigerian national team coaches

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has voiced his disappointment over the stark pay disparity… Read More

4 hours ago

One-time Ballon d’Or winner faults Calvin Bassey for Janelt’s goal despite Fulham win

Former England and Real Madrid forward, Michael Owen, has revealed that Brentford's opening goal against… Read More

7 hours ago

“You can’t wear that jersey and be slacking” – Nwankwo Kanu sends cryptic message to Boniface, urges Super Eagles stars to step up

Former Arsenal and Super Eagles striker, Nwankwo Kanu, has urged the Nigerian players to step… Read More

8 hours ago