SAN FRANCISCO, November 10, (THEWILL) – “Nigerian” defender Felix Uduokhai has revealed why he opted for Germany over the Super Eagles of Nigeria after he earned first call-up for Joachim Löw’s team for their upcoming ties against the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Spain.
The 23-year-old FC Augsburg star who was born to a Nigerian father and a German mother has featured for Germany across the youth levels with appearances for the Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 teams.
His invitation to the German senior squad for UEFA Nations League fixtures comes as a blow to Nigeria, who were desirous to secure his services in the senior men’s national team.
“My father was born in Nigeria, so I could have imagined playing for Nigeria. But I was born in Germany, grew up here and have also played in the German youth national teams,” Uduokhai explained.
“The invitation to the national team makes me proud. My family and friends and everyone at FCA were really happy for me. I am very satisfied with the development at FCA over the past year. When the call came from assistant trainer Marcus Sorg a few days ago, the joy was of course great.
“I am therefore looking forward to the coming days. It is something special when my name is mentioned in a row with the other Augsburg national players Ulrich Biesinger, Helmut Haller and André Hahn. “
Uduokhai, who has been impressive in Augsburg’s defence this campaign, has played every minute of their Bundesliga matches so far this term and has one goal to his credit as well.
The German-born star is another Nigerian talent lost after the chance to lure Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka to Gernot Rohr’s team hit a brick wall with the player’s decision to star for the Three Lions of England.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
