Torpedo Moscow striker Jonathan Okoronkwo has sent a message to manager Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria's friendly against Russia, revealing his ambition to play for the Super Eagles.
Following spells with Vista Gelendzhik, Botev Plovdiv, Krasnodar, Arsenal Tula, Hatayspor and Sivasspor, Okoronkwo joined Torpedo Moscow during the summer transfer window, signing a three-year contract that runs until June 2029.
The 23-year-old Nigerian forward has made a positive start to life at Torpedo Moscow, scoring twice and providing one assist in five appearances in the Russian First Division.
The Super Eagles will face Russia for the second time in 16 months on Tuesday, October 6, in Nizhny Novgorod.
Okoronkwo is looking forward to the upcoming clash between Nigeria and Russia, following their 1-1 draw in their last meeting.
Speaking to Sport24, he said: "I'm looking forward to this game. I'm sure it will be no less interesting than the recent match between our teams, which ended in a 1-1 draw."
Okoronkwo is hoping his impressive start to the season at Torpedo Moscow will put him on the radar of Eric Chelle, who handed a debut to another Russian-based forward Olakunle Olusegun in a friendly against Russia in June 2025.
"Do I dream of playing for my country one day? Absolutely! Of course, like any footballer, I'm hoping to get a call from the national team coach one day.
"It's important to keep working hard and scoring goals for Torpedo , and the chance will definitely come. At least, that's what I'm counting on!
"For now, I'll just watch the match as a fan. It's great that our countries will play each other again; in my homeland, Russia is treated with enormous respect."
Eric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for the clash with Russia, with key players Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze all left out of the group.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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