'I will try to get a Nigerian passport' - FC Copenhagen striker eyes Super Eagles after rejecting Russia call-up

FC Copenhagen deadline day signing German Onugkha is now open to representing the Super Eagles after rejecting a call-up to the Russian national team for their internationals in September 2024.

Onugkha was initially named in the squad list for Russia's friendly matches with Thailand and Vietnam, but withdrew from the roster.

Born in Moscow to a Russian mother and Nigerian father, the forward announced years ago that he wanted to represent his country of birth, but he has completely reversed the decision.

Onugkha is now open to the possibility of playing for the Super Eagles and he's planning to visit the Nigerian embassy in Copenhagen in the coming weeks to apply for a Nigerian passport.

Speaking to reporters after making his unofficial debut for FC Copenhagen in a friendly against Landskrona BoIS on Thursday, Onugkha stated: "I  decided to say no because I wanted to focus on my next club, my future, and therefore I said that it would be better for me to stay here in Europe.

"During the next month I will try to get a Nigerian passport because my father is from there. So I will go to the embassy here in Copenhagen and see if I can get it, then we will see. "

The 28-year-old has not yet been in contact with the Nigerian Football Federation, but that process will be set in motion if the big forward succeeds in acquiring a new passport. 

Versatile Russian-born defender Bryan Idowu was a member of the Super Eagles squad to the 2018 World Cup and  Onugkha has not ruled out following in the footsteps of the St. Petersburg native who has made ten appearances for Nigeria's senior national team.

"My agent has another player who is like me - half Nigerian and half Russian. And he plays for Nigeria's national team.

"He has said that initially I just have to get a Nigerian passport, and then contact will be made with Nigeria. 

"Right now it's all about getting the passport, and then I'll sit down with my family and my agent afterwards, and then we'll look at it," German Onugkha  added.

A former Krasnodar, Tambov, Krylia Sovetov and Rubin Kazan striker, Onugkha was the top scorer in the Danish Superliga last season with 15 goals for Vejle Boldklub.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: fck.dk

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