USA U23s Star Ariyibi: My Mum Wants Me To Represent Nigeria Ahead Of USA,England

United States U23 international Gboly Ariyibi has hinted that he will not turn down an opportunity to represent the Super Eagles in future as his mother has been pressurizing him into accepting Nigeria over the Americans.

The Southampton product was born in Arlington County, Virginia 21 years ago and remains eligible to represent the senior national teams of England,Nigeria and United States, though he has played competitively for the Olympic Team of the USA.

“My parents are both Nigerians, mum was born in Nigeria and dad was born in London, both of their parents are from Nigeria,” said Gboly Ariyibi to allnigeriasoccer.com.

“My mum was born in Lagos Island, my dad’s family is from Abeokuta in Ogun State. I lived in Nigeria from 1997-2000 and I have been back and forth for holidays now and then.”

Ariyibi, who is now on the books of Chesterfield in England, has explained that he was first approached by the United States Soccer Federation and could not reject the invitation, but he’s keeping his options open with respect to the national team he’ll represent at senior level.

“I haven’t chosen any country to represent, I have only chosen who I’ve been approached/invited by which is the USA.

“My mom has always said it would be good to represent Nigeria as it is the country I inherit, she’s always wanted me to play for any of the three countries but Nigeria the most,” added Ariyibi.

The midfielder’s parents Adewale Ariyibi and Olabisi Agoro were both former Nigerian Table Tennis champions.

He has played 32 games for Chesterfield in League One this season and inspired his team to a 4-2 victory over Port Vale last weekend, scoring a goal and notching two helpers.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel