Ex-Celtic CB, who trained with Nigeria U23s despite injury, issues come-and-get-me plea to Eric Chelle

Former Celtic central defender Osaze Urhoghide has confirmed that his international future lies with Nigeria even though he qualifies to represent his country of birth, the Netherlands, as well as England, where he grew up.

The FC Dallas star is not new to the Nigeria setup, having trained with the U23 squad before a 2019 U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya.

It is important to highlight that Urhoghide reported to camp with an injury, yet he was determined to make an impression on Imama Amapakabo and the Nigeria U23 coaching staff.

Since 2019, Osaze, who is no longer age-eligible for Nigeria's youth teams, has been overlooked for selection by Super Eagles coaches, including Gernot Rohr, Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, Augustine Eguavoen and Eric Chelle.

The Rotterdam-born defender has made it clear he wants to represent Nigeria and hopes to catch the attention of Eric Chelle ahead of this summer's Unity Cup in London. 

In quotes relayed by The Punch, Urhoghide said: "I am ready to play for my fatherland, Nigeria. I have informed family members of my readiness to play for the Eagles. 

"I am also using this opportunity to let the Nigeria Football Federation know that I am ready."

After leaving Scottish champions Celtic in 2023, Urhoghide transferred to French club Amiens SC, where he made 41 appearances and scored three goals, before a historic move to FC Dallas in February 2025.

FC Dallas have relied heavily on the AFC Wimbledon academy graduate, who has completed every minute of their nine MLS games this season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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