Former Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie says he will persuade his sons Theo and Noah to accept the option of playing for Nigeria ahead of other countries that they are eligible to represent, Owngoalnigeria.com reports.
Odemwingie who played for Nigeria from 2002 to 2012 says although his sons are eligible to represent Russia, England or Nigeria his aim is to make them see reasons why they should play for Nigeria and not any other country if they become successful professional footballers.
Now retired, the outspoken fair skinned striker said he is already preparing them towards representing Nigeria by playing Nigerian music regularly either in the car at home. He said the idea is to give them a feel of what it takes to be Nigerian.
“I will encourage them. Even though they have different roots: British, Russia, Nigeria, I am encouraging them and preparing their minds towards representing Nigeria”, Odemwingie said.
“I am already raising future strikers. We often play Nigerian music, either in the car or at home, sometimes. The true passion of Nigerian fans; it’s not something you learn, you are born with it.
“It’s raw talents in Nigeria and if you look at performance of players like Taribo West, Sunday Oliseh or Taye Taiwo, their performance is not something you learn, we don’t really have such academies like we have in Europe, but the players still come out with their raw talents, that’s why I enjoyed my time in the Super Eagles so much because of the talents in the team”.
Ade Emmanuel
