Former Arsenal youth team goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri had pledged his international future to Nigeria despite his eligibility to represent Uganda and also England, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Born in England to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, the 22 year old spent the best part of his formative years at Arsenal before taking his trade abroad last summer, after also spending time on loan last season.
Ejeheri who left Arsenal on a permanent deal for Danish side Midtjylland revealed he has been invited by all three nations in the past, including an invitation to train with England.
“Yeah, all three (countries) invited me. (The invitation to) England was a goalkeeper’s camp like five or years ago,” he told Flashscore.com.
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“It was a good camp, I liked it. Uganda as well of course and Nigeria as well (have called me too).”
He however maintained that he knows what he wants and he is the kind of person, who usually knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to say it and go for it.
“I think I’m a person that don’t really think too hard on things. I just know that whatever I want to do, I’ll just do it, to be honest,” Ejeheri bodily told Flashscore.com.
“I know my heritage; I know I’m from those countries and I know what it would mean to my mum’s side of the family or my dad’s side of the family for me to play for Uganda or Nigeria.
“But ultimately the decision is mine and I’m fine with that.”
Not minding what might happen in the future, he declared that he has made it known that he wants to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. A discussion that he has had with his father and he picked former Super Eagles goalkeeper and captain Vincent Enyeama as his role model.
“Nigeria, for sure. I think for me, Nigeria is the team I’ve always wanted to play for,” he added.
“There were times my dad would say I had to play for Nigeria and all that, but in the end, he couldn’t force me. I know for sure that I want to play for the Super Eagles.
“When it comes to goalkeepers I look up to, I’d say (Vincent) Enyeama, of course — he’s the one I’ve personally watched. But my dad always talks about Peter Rufai, so he’s another one I admire.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
