Former Nigeria international, Osaze Odemwingie has called on players of Nigerian descent born abroad to embrace their roots.
Odemwingie also stressed the important role parents play in shaping that connection.
The former forward who himself had dual heritage with Russia and Nigeria, chose to represent Nigeria and made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2002.
Speaking to Brila.net, Odemwingie reflected on his own upbringing, explaining how early exposure to Nigeria helped build a lasting bond with the country.
“I have watched interviews of players who said, ‘I was born here, raised here, I feel British.’ As for me, I had age one to seven in Nigeria, so I went to primary school in Nigeria.
“I went to my village with my dad and met my granddad; I had some connections with Nigeria from early childhood then we went to Russia and returned at 17 played five years in Nigeria before I went to Europe to play football.
“Parents do have a role to play but I am not going to say I don’t know how it is for them but for me I had a strong connection with Nigeria.”
His Parents influenced the decision to play for Nigeria
Odemwingie credited his father in building his passion for Nigerian football.
“My dad made me excited about the Super Eagles. ‘Up Eagles Super Eagles’ the voice raises that big figure saying it in front of me; I am a kid anytime he says it with his big smile.
“I used to be happy so these are the things that made me have a connection with Nigeria that made me feel I want to be there.
He also highlighted the influence of his mother, in nurturing that connection despite her non Nigerian background.
“My mum also played a major role because despite being Russian she loved Nigeria.
“Even last week when I posted something about a Liverpool game – my mum was at the stadium and it was her birthday.
“I told her ‘Naija is saying happy birthday to you’ she said ‘Screenshot it send to me’ because she was happy to hear that.
“She loves Nigeria so much. I remember when I was in Moscow she would try to bring okro soup; she loves our food she has a connection herself on a soul level.”
“Parents have a big role to play, but, you know these days this generation pride is plenty they do shakara for Africa that’s another part of the problem.”
He went further to question why some foreign born players with Nigerian heritage choose to represent other countries, insisting that identity should be clear.
Despite his strong stance, Odemwingie acknowledged that modern players are influenced by different factors, including lifestyle and professional structures.
“These days it’s like they want the pampering. Me as you know, I don’t need no pampering if Naija pampers me it’s more than enough for me.
“We love everyone and there are some cases where the love wasn’t based on the decision for the love of a European country unless maybe you have a mixed heritage.
“Like me growing up there was a rule that once you wear the shirt of a national team you can’t wear another team clothes I love Russia but my connection is with Nigeria when it comes to football and sport.”
He concluded by warning about the long term impact of losing talented players to other nations while also expressing hope for a future shift.
“I won’t judge anybody. Imagine one day the whole football squad of England will be Nigerians it’s Nigerian genes that are showing themselves how Nigeria go win World Cup when our talents go out to serve other people.
“One day we will have the opposite effect when people will want to play for Nigeria and bring the World Cup trophy home because these players are good players they grew up in better football environment maybe tactically and technically sound.
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“So far Nigeria relies on physicality and talent but you need to add that part where it is mechanical.
“Europeans regardless where they are from, right from childhood, they are mechanical they are like robots they are wired to do this job tactically sound and keeping it simple.”
During his international career, Odemwingie represented Nigeria at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and featured in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
He earned 63 caps for Nigeria and scored 10 goals, playing a key role for the Super Eagles over the years.
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