“I decided to say no” – 64-goal striker reveals why he dumped Russia for Nigeria’s Super Eagles

FC Copenhagen’s new signing, German Onugkha, has expressed his desire to represent Nigeria at the international level, despite his previous commitment to Russia, Soccernet.ng reports.

Born in Moscow to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, the 28-year-old forward recently withdrew from Russia’s squad for their September 2024 friendlies against Thailand and Vietnam.

Onugkha, who signed for Copenhagen on transfer deadline day, revealed that he is ready to apply for a Nigerian passport, signaling his intent to join the Super Eagles.

Speaking, as per Daily Post, after his unofficial debut for Copenhagen in a friendly against Landskrona BoIS, Onugkha explained his reasoning behind the decision:

“I decided to say no [to Russia’s call-up] because I wanted to focus on my next club, my future, and therefore I said that it would be better for me to stay here in Europe.”

The forward also revealed his plans to begin the process of acquiring Nigerian citizenship:

“During the next month, I will try to get a Nigerian passport because my father is from there. So I will go to the Embassy here in Copenhagen and see if I can get it, then we will see.”

 

Onugkha’s club career has taken him across several countries, starting with his debut in the Russian Professional Football League for Zenit Penza in 2017.

He has played for clubs like FC Krasnodar, Vejle, Bnei Sakhnin, and Rubin Kazan, before joining FC Copenhagen, where he has already shown promise.

The former Tambov star has registered 64 goals and 11 assists across 210 games in his club career.

His top-scoring campaign in the Danish Superliga last season, where he netted 15 goals for Vejle Boldklub, caught the attention of many clubs, ultimately leading to his move to Denmark’s most successful football club.

Onugkha’s decision to switch international allegiance to Nigeria is a welcomed development as he will surely add more firepower to the Super Eagles attack that already boasts Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface among others.

Imhons Erons

View Comments

  • This guy is an asset to SE,he has finishing instinct . He willingly wants to switch allegiance to Nigeria without persuasion. NFF must support him in earnest.

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

What Tolu Arokodare said after helping Genk set a new club record with dominant win over Anderlecht

Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight at being part of history-making at KRC Genk after… Read More

1 hour ago

Why PSG will not sign Victor Osimhen

French Ligue 1 champions PSG may decide against signing Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen, as… Read More

1 hour ago

Osimhen: Napoli star drops transfer hint as Man United and Chelsea prepare €75 million bid

Napoli-owned forward Victor Osimhen has sparked transfer speculation with a new comment about his future,… Read More

14 hours ago

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: CHAN Eagles grab first-leg advantage in Accra against Black Galaxies

Nigeria forced Ghana to a goalless draw in the first leg of the qualifying playoff… Read More

14 hours ago

What Hakimi’s mother said after her son lost the CAF POTY Award to Lookman

Achraf Hakimi's mother, Saida Mouh, has revealed her son has moved on from the disappointment… Read More

15 hours ago

“I see similarities with Leicester” – Ex-Barcelona striker backs Ola Aina’s Nott’m Forest to win EPL title

Former Barcelona and England striker, Gary Lineker, has backed Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina's Nottingham… Read More

15 hours ago