FC Copenhagen's deadline day signing withdraws from Russia squad; eligible for Nigeria through his dad
Published: September 03, 2024
German Onugkha, who completed a deadline day move to FC Copenhagen on Monday, September 2, has withdrawn from the Russian national team squad for their upcoming friendly matches against Thailand and Vietnam.
Born in the Russian capital Moscow, Onugkha is uncapped at international level but eligible to represent his country of birth as well as the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father.
The 28-year-old Onugkha, who dazzled last season with Vejle Boldklub as the Danish Superliga top scorer, has been a notable presence in the Danish league.
He netted 15 goals and provided 2 assists in 31 league appearances for Vejle Boldklub last season and continued his impressive form with 3 goals in 6 appearances this season before his transfer to FC Copenhagen on deadline day in Denmark.
Onugkha has recently been offered the chance to represent Russia following his standout performances.
Russia national team coach Valery Karpin, who also manages FC Rostov, extended the invitation to the forward for the upcoming friendlies.
However, FC Copenhagen’s sports director, Sune Smith-Nielsen, announced Onugkha’s withdrawal according to a report from Viaplay Sport News.
He characterized the situation as “a special case,” given the complex geopolitical circumstances surrounding Russia’s international sports participation.
“It is a special case. We are all familiar with the dire Russian situation. Sports are not allowed right now, Russia is finding ways around it,” Smith-Nielsen was quoted as saying by bold.dk.
“Onugkha has been selected and he has canceled. I'm sure he made the right decision about that. I think perhaps you have to deal with what Russia is doing with playing football matches around the world.”
Smith-Nielsen did not elaborate on whether the club had any influence over Onugkha’s decision but emphasized the importance of making the right call given the current situation involving Russia.
Despite Onugkha's apparent interest in representing his country of birth, his withdrawal from the Russian squad opens the door for potential representation with Nigeria, his father’s homeland.
Adeyemi Adewale
Photo Credit: fck.dk
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Genk set N45b asking price for Super Eagles forward amid AC Milan, Fulham and Burnley links
- Done deal: Wycombe Wanderers snap up Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace alum Olabiyi
- Nichols, Harriman-Annous in Arsenal squad for La Manga training camp; Nwaneri missing
- Nigerian central midfielder joins Real Sociedad after release by Arsenal
- Post-match presser: What Super Falcons coach said on first half struggles, subs, Botswana, rotation
- Wafcon 2024: What Super Falcons attackers Ajibade and Ihezuo said about beating Botswana
- 'This is why' – Fabrizio Romano explains why Man Utd are not in the race to sign Osimhen
- Super Falcons ratings: Ihezuo delivers; Ohale reliable; Oshoala, Payne struggle; Madugu reactive
- Wafcon 2024: Five things we learned from Super Falcons' hard-fought win over Botswana
- Botswana 0 Nigeria 1: Late Ihezuo goal seals win for Super Falcons against stubborn Mares


- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- VT88
- VT88
- keo nha cai
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- keo nha cai
- F168
- F168
- okvip
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88