Karim Adeyemi piqued Hansi Flick’s interest, earning him a first-team call-up for Germany in 2021 as well as a spot in his 2022 World Cup squad
Borussia Dortmund forward, Karim Adeyemi, has revealed his love to play for Nigeria, if he had the chance some years back, Soccernet.ng reports.
Aged 19, the left-winger made his debut for the German national team in 2021 under the management of Hansi Flick, making four appearances and scoring a goal on his debut, subsequently closing off his chances to join the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Despite his affiliations, Adeyemi, born to a Nigerian father, Abbey Adeyemi, and Romanian mother, Alexandra Adeyemi, conveyed his deep connection to Nigeria and his willingness to represent the nation if circumstances had been different.
Having featured in Germany’s U-16, U-17, and U-21 teams before the senior national team call-up, Adeyemi, recognised as a talented prospect by the German FA, secured his place in the German setup after his impressive performances at Red Bull Salzburg.
Though his attributes could have potentially benefited the Super Eagles, Adeyemi’s commitment to the German national team came first, resulting in his exclusion from Nigerian selection.
During a visit to his football academy—Karim Adeyemi Foundation’s Football Academy—at the Olubadan Stadium, Ibadan. A 12-year-old young enthusiast queried why he did not play for Nigeria, to which he explained Germany’s earlier approach.
“Germany came first.” He responded.
In an interview with Soccernet.ng, when asked if he would consider playing for the Super Eagles if given the opportunity, Adeyemi emphatically responded with a yes, praising Nigeria’s football legacy and recognising the quality of its players.
“If I had the chance, of course. For me, I think it’s a great national team, [and] in the future [they] will be great, they have good players, and in the past, [they were] also great.”
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Meanwhile, due to subsequent injuries, Karim has lost his place in the Germany squad in recent months, and according to rumours, he was called up to the U-21 squad, which he refused to play—this sparked a contentious discussion in Germany.
However, Karim was called up to the 2022 World Cup squad, but could not earn a minute, which means that he can still switch allegiance to play for Nigeria since he has not featured in a competitive match for Germany.
Currently valued at €28 million and valued at €40 million in June, Adeyemi’s hypothetical addition to the Nigerian national team would have placed him among the top five most valuable Nigerian players.
Listen to the audio here:
