“I’m desperate to get called up!” – Ex-Netherlands youth international hungry to play for Nigeria

Former Netherlands youth international Kingsley Ehizibue has expressed his strong desire to play for the Nigerian national team.

The Udinese right-back was born in Germany to Nigerian parents but was raised in the Netherlands, where he earned a cap for the Dutch national team at the under-age level.

Despite being called up to the Nigerian national team in the past, Ehizibue has never made an appearance for the Super Eagles.

However, the 27-year-old remains optimistic and determined to represent his parents’ homeland.

In an interview with Goal, Ehizibue expressed his eagerness to play for Nigeria, stating that it would be like making a dream come true for him. He also revealed that he used to watch Nigeria playing in the World Cup, and wearing the jersey is a goal for every kid.

What was said? 

“On weeks like this, when I see everyone’s gone away on international duty, I think, ‘Oh man, I need to do something to change this!’ I don’t want to be left here training with just 10 other guys,” Ehizibue says.

“Even just for that reason, I’m desperate to get called up!

Ehizibue adds: “For real, it would be like making a dream come true because I used to watch Nigeria playing in the World Cup, so to wear that jersey was the goal for every kid.

“So, I will do everything possible to make it happen. I’ve played with guys that represent the national team, in Netherlands and Germany, and I’m so proud of them.

“But, at the same time, I’m also thinking, ‘Well, if they can do it, I can too. It’s possible for me too.’

“I genuinely think it’s a realistic goal. I’m now playing at the same level in the same competitions as some of the guys so why can’t it happen for me?

“Everything is possible if you see it clearly and work hard enough.”

How good are Ehizibue’s chances with the Super Eagles? 

Ehizibue believes that it’s a realistic goal for him to represent his parents’ homeland and he has stated that everything is possible through hard work.

The right-back has had a successful career so far, having played for PEC Zwolle and 1. FC Köln before moving to Udinese in 2022. He has also represented the Netherlands at the under-age level, making one appearance for the under-21 team in 2016.

Ehizibue’s passion for playing for Nigeria is evident, and he remains hopeful of getting a call-up soon. With his current form and experience, the right-back could be a valuable addition to the Super Eagles squad.

The Super Eagles, though, are well stocked in the right-back role, with head coach Jose Peseiro able to call on Torino’s Ola Aina, Hajduk Split’s Chidozie Awaziem, and Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel.