American-Born Omidiji Remains Committed To Nigeria Ahead Of USA, Eyes World Cup Spot

FC Eindhoven striker Sophia Omotola Omidiji remains committed to Nigeria ahead of the United States and is eyeing a spot in the Falconets roster ahead of the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea.

Born in Las vegas, Nevada in the United States 19 years ago, the fair-skinned Omidiji was in the plans of the United States Soccer Federation and played for their Olympic Development Team (ODP) prior to earning her first call up to the Nigeria U20s.

She grew up on pounded yam and egusi like a typical Yoruba girl and grew up on Nigerian music living in a Nigerian household.

“My father and I convinced Sophia to shun U.S soccer and play for Nigeria because of our love for our nation and like a good child and grandchild- she happily complied, ” says Sophia’s dad, Omidiji Snr, to allnigeriasoccer.com.

“She had reservation about Nigeria because she said she has never seen a person of her complexion play for Nigeria and most of her friends play with the U.S.

“Nevertheless though, like a good daughter and grand daughter, she relented and declined U.S soccer because we love our country, we want to see her represent our country. ”

The American Federation have not given up in their pursuit of Sophia but the teenager is hoping to display her wares in Papua New Guinea and help Nigeria win the Fifa U20 World Cup for the first time.

“When ESPN and FOX came to film her for an interview in the Netherlands and asked her why she chose Nigeria over the United States, she told them thanks for the invite but my heart is with my fatherland.

“She wants to make her father and grandparents proud by wearing Nigeria’s colors and deliver a World Cup to a country that has given her so much because even if she doesn’t look like what people think a Nigerian looks like, the country is in her heart and in everything she does.

“When she came to Nigeria, the media and people embraced her and showered her with love and appreciation.

“We got to meet players and members of the coaching staff who showered Sophia with love. Who is this white  girl playing for Nigeria they all wondered,” Omidiji Snr added.

Regarded as an offensive all-rounder, Sophia Omidiji captained the Nevada Olympic Development Program team, leading them to the ODP Championships, before she moved to the Netherlands where she signed a pro deal at the age of 17.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel