'All three invited me' - Arsenal academy product explains why he chose Nigeria over England, Uganda

Arsenal's Hale End Academy product Ovie Ejeheri has revealed the emotional and personal reasons behind his decision to commit his international future to Nigeria, despite being eligible to represent England and Uganda.

Born in Greenwich, England, to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, Ejeheri had the opportunity to choose between three national teams.

However, the 22-year-old, now playing for FC Midtjylland in Denmark, said choosing the Super Eagles was a natural decision grounded in heritage and personal conviction.

"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 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."

Having started his journey at Arsenal at the age of eight, Ejeheri rose through the ranks to the U18 team and earned a place in England's goalkeeper training camp.

Despite those early ties to English football, he remained focused on representing Nigeria.

"Yeah, all three (countries) invited me. England was a goalkeeper’s camp like five or six years ago.

"It was a good camp, I liked it. Uganda as well of course and Nigeria too," he recalled. "Nigeria, for sure. I think for me, Nigeria is the team I've always wanted to play for."

Ejeheri admires Nigerian goalkeeping legends Vincent Enyeama and Peter Rufai, and says they’ve inspired his career.

"When it comes to goalkeepers I look up to, I’d say 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."

Although Stanley Nwabali currently holds the No. 1 jersey for Nigeria, Ejeheri remains confident.

"I'm excited. I know it's going to be a matter of time, for sure. And I think as long as I prove myself at club level, there's no chance that I won't be playing for Nigeria."

As Nigeria eyes future competitions, Ejeheri’s commitment provides valuable depth and underlines the Super Eagles’ growing appeal among diaspora talents.

Wale Adejumo

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