Ola Aina Urges NFF Not to Ignore Nigerian-Born Players Abroad
Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has urged the Nigeria Football Federation to continue giving Nigerian-born players based abroad opportunities to represent the national team.
Aina, who represented England at youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria, said players with Nigerian roots should be welcomed if they are willing and eligible to play for the Super Eagles.
His comments came amid discussions surrounding Ovie Ejaria’s decision to commit his international future to Nigeria.
“If you have the roots and are from Nigeria, you should be welcomed to play for Nigeria. No one should feel like they are being pushed aside,” Aina said.
The Torino defender also explained his own decision to choose Nigeria after previously featuring for England’s youth teams.
According to Aina, he believed his chances of breaking into the England senior team were limited, while Nigeria offered him a clearer opportunity to play international football at the highest level.
“England was never going to give me a chance to play for the senior team. That’s the difference. Nigeria gave me the pathway to play for their senior team,” Aina said during an Instagram Live chat with the Super Eagles Media Team.
He added that although he might eventually have earned an opportunity with England, Nigeria’s immediate interest made his decision straightforward.
“I probably would have made it there at some point, but Nigeria told me I can make it here now. It was a no-brainer,” he said.
