Ebuehi: Choosing Nigeria over Holland is the best decision I’ve made in my career
Read Time:1 Minute, 25 Second
#MTNshortz3SixtyWorld
Tyronne Ebuehi says he has no regrets about choosing to represent
Nigerian in international football rather than the Netherlands.
The 22-year-old was born in Haarlem in the Netherlands to a Dutch
mother and Nigerian father, making him eligible to play for both
nations.
The right-back made his debut for the Nigerian national team in June
2017 and was part of the Super Eagles squad at the 2018 World Cup,
though he only appeared as a substitute in the win over Iceland.
“There’s absolutely no regrets, it was a big choice and one I can
happily live with,” the defender told BBC Sport.
“My father was born in Nigeria and he is from Benin City, which makes
me half Nigerian. My mother is from Holland, so I’m half Nigerian and
half Dutch.
“Nigeria is one of the biggest football countries in Africa. I think
it was a great opportunity for me to play for Nigeria.
“So I’m happy that I made this decision. I think it’s the best
decision I have made in my football career.”
Ebuehi began his professional career at ADO Den Haag in the Eredivisie
before signing a five-year deal in May to join Portuguese giants
Benfica.
He also revealed that fellow Dutch-born defender William Troost-Ekong
had played a ‘big role’ in his decision to play for the Super Eagles.
“Born in the same city [Haarlem] as me, Troost-Ekong gave me some
advice and told me about the benefits of playing for Nigeria,” he
said.
“As a big brother he had played for the Netherlands at junior levels
before choosing Nigeria, so he also had a big role to play in my
decision.”
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0