Former Arsenal Youth goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri has opened his decision to represent Nigeria at an international level, even though he is eligible for both England and Uganda.
Born in Greenwich, England with a Nigerian father and Ugandan mother, the young person had the option to choose from the three countries.
Nevertheless, he chose to bind his future to the Super Eagles, a choice that he thought was deeply personal and rooted in heritage.
“I think I am a person who doesn't really think about things too hard. I just know what I want to do, I will just do it to be honest,” Ejeheri told Flashscore.com.
“I know my heritage; I know I am from those countries and I know what it would mean before the side of my mother or my father's side of the family to play for Uganda or Nigeria.
“But in the end the decision is mine and I think that's fine.”
Ejeheri, gifted with great height, agility, fast reflexes and a strong presence in the box, joined Arsenal at the age of eight and worked to the U18 team in 2019.
In 2023 he left the English Premier League club to regularly pursue first team of football and now plays for FC Midtjylland in Denmark's top layer.
Before his move from North Londs, his strong versions gave him a place in the training camp of England in the English training camp. Interestingly, he had also received call-ups from both African countries at different times.
“Yes, all three (countries) invited me (the invitation for) England was a keeper's camp like five or years ago,” he remembered.
“It was a good camp, I liked it. Uganda of course and also Nigeria (I also called me).”
Yet Ejeheri made it clear that playing for the Nigerian national team is his only choice, stating the legendary keepers he looks at.
“Nigeria, sure. I think Nigeria is the team for me that I have always wanted to play for,” he added.
“There were times when my father would say that I had to play for Nigeria and so on, but in the end he couldn't force me. I am sure I want to play for the Super Eagles.
“When it comes to goealpers I look up to, I would of course say (Vincent) Enyeaama – he is the one I have looked at personally. But my father always talks about Peter Rufai, so he is another one I admire.”
Although Stanley Nwabali is currently the first-choice keeper for Eric Chelle's Super Eagles, the 22-year-old remains convinced that his time will come soon. “I am excited. I know it will certainly be a matter of time.
“And I think that as long as I prove myself at club level, there is no chance that I will not play for Nigeria.”
Former Germany International and Arsenal Academy Manager per Mertesacker had praised Ejeheri during his time at the Emirates Stadium and said that he has the talent and potential to reach great heights in his career.
“He will have to go through his learning trip, which will be based on hard work, many mistakes and never stop driving to achieve his goal,” Mertesacker said that the sports management is of extreme.
“He will have to go through this to be successful in football and if not, then we have a modest person with a multitude of skills that will find another place to be good at!
“This is why (Arsenal) holistically support our young players to be 'Strong Young Gunners', we help them make their own path and to have the skills they need to be successful and happy on or outside the field.
“Ovie has been with us for 10 years and he has developed through our Academy ranks with his dedication and passion. He gives his best daily,” he continued.
“There have been ups and downs on his journey so far – many really positive football performance and then some injuries that have kept him out of the game for a while.
“He grew through these times with his support network and a team of passionate academy staff who took care of him, and he is now stronger.
“Ovie is a driven competitor who works very hard. He will create his own path to reach his personal record.”
While Nigeria looks ahead to future tournaments, Ejeheri's effort adds valuable depth to a crucial position. With fierce competition for the number 1 shirt, his decision emphasizes the growing attraction of the Super Eagles under Diaspora talents.
Now aimed at his club career and viewed an international debut, all eyes are focused on the lanky Shot stopper while his journey in the green and white starts to unfold.
Shina OludareFlash score