Arsenal starlet Ovie Ejiara has committed his international future to Nigeria despite being eligible to represent England, having being born in the country about 16 years ago.

The midfielder trained with the Golden Eaglets squad over the summer but failed to make the provisional squad as he was recalled to England by Arsenal for the start of pre - season training.

Ejiara has taken the omission in good faith and is now targeting a call up to the Flying Eagles squad, who have intensified preparations for the African Youth Championship qualifiers.

“ “I have been to Nigeria twice, when I was much younger and most recently for the Under 17 screening exercise held last July,” Ovie Ejiara said.

“I could not continue training with the squad because I had to return to England for school and the start of pre - season.

“Though I was born in England, my parents are Nigerians. So I have pledged my international future to Nigeria.”

This season, the highly rated starlet has practiced with the Arsenal Under 18 squad plus the Under 21 team.