Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha has proudly acknowledged his Igbo heritage while celebrating a historic moment at the club, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nmecha has shared the pitch with fellow player of Igbo descent, Carney Chukwuemeka, which makes them the first two Igbo players to feature for the German giants at the same time.
Chukwuemeka joined the Black and Yellow on a season-ending loan from Chelsea FC during the winter transfer window and has made a positive impression at the club alongside his Nigerian compatriot.
“I think for me it's very special,” Nmecha said. “I was speaking to [Chukwuemeka] about it — I think we've never had two Igbo players playing for Dortmund at the same time before.”
“I'm very connected and close to where I come from. My dad’s obviously Igbo, and we share that passion for our people. It’s nice to have another Igbo and Nigerian player to play together with — the connection is strong.”
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The 24-year-old's identity goes beyond football; he has also embraced Nigerian culture through music, food, and language.
“I think I’m very, very connected, just in the sense of, like you said, the music, the food. I try to learn a few words here and there, but I think I need to learn a bit more,” he said.
Although Chukwuemeka was a substitute, he will be hoping to share the same stage in their next match with his compatriot as Nigerian football fans watch closely against the South Korean side.
