Former Hoffenheim star Chinedu Obasi reveals historic feat for Nigeria later matched by Obi Mikel

Former Hoffenheim striker Chinedu Obasi has confirmed that he is the first Nigerian footballer to represent the national teams at three different age-group levels as well as the senior Super Eagles in Fifa, CAF and International Olympic Committee (IOC) competitions.

Nigerians first caught a glimpse of the future star during the 2003 Fifa U17 World Cup in Finland, where he made three starts with manager Augustine Eguavoen in the Golden Eaglets dugout.

After impressing at the 2005 Fifa U20 World Cup, helping Nigeria to the silver medal under the guidance of ex-international and future Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia, Obasi drew interest from top clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, but ultimately signed with German club Hoffenheim.

Obasi was a key member of the Nigerian team at the 2008 Olympic Games, notably scoring a brace against a Belgium side that included Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Marouane Fellaini and Mousa Dembélé in their matchday squad.

Five years after receiving his first call-up to the Super Eagles, he was named on the rosters for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and Fifa World Cup. 

The highlight of his performance during the World Cup in South Africa was winning a penalty converted by Yakubu Aiyegbeni in a 2-2 draw with South Korea. 

Speaking to respected German-based Nigerian journalist, Oma Akatugba, the amiable Obasi said: "I have served Nigeria, I was actually the first person to play for the U17s in 2003, U21s in 2025, Olympics 2008, World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations in 2010.

"The first Nigerian to go back-to-back, which I didn't even know. I was told by the media and I was like really, I didn't even know.

"With that being said, going through this process and I went to the World Cup with Nigeria which is a proud moment for me."

Obasi's very good friend, John Obi Mikel followed in his footsteps after the Chelsea legend accepted to captain the Dream Team VI at the 2016 Olympic Games. 

Two-time World Cupper, Mikel represented the Golden Eaglets at the 2003 Fifa U17 World Cup and was the standout player for the Flying Eagles at the 2005 Fifa U20 World Cup. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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