Former Nigeria U17 forward Kunle Olusegun says the current war going on between Russia and Ukraine is partly the reason why he hasn’t been considered for a spot in the senior national team of Nigeria.
Kunle plays for Russian side FK Krasnodar and has been one of their standout players for two seasons since his move to the team from Danish second division side Fremad Amager. He spent time on loan to Bulgarian side Botev Plodiv before his permanent transfer.
His rise in stock coincided with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and according to the 20 year old that move by his host country has affected his career to a large extent, including denying him a potential call up to the senior national team of Nigeria.
“Staying in Russia has really affected my career,” Olusegun told Shina Okeleji in a report for BBC Sport Africa.
‘In my first season, I scored some fantastic goals which would have led to a call-up to the Super Eagles or Under-23s, but due to the sanction no one is watching the Russian League.
“My dream is to play for Nigeria again. But with where I am, maybe it’s a dream that has to wait. That is one of the disadvantages of me staying back in Russia.”
He gave an instance when he was called up to be a part of the Nigeria U20 team but he couldn’t honour the call up, which would have seen him make the step up from U17, where he was a part of the team to the 2019 World Cup. At the WAFU tournament where Nigeria emerged winner he picked up the top scorer award.
“I was called to the Nigeria Under-20s last year but with the sanction of Russia – including flights in and out of the country – I could not meet up.
“I contacted the coach and reminded him that maybe next time I might be able to come if he invites me. That was the only call up I had”, he recounted.
On if he has entertained the thought of leaving Russia for another league, Kunle explained that he had offers from teams outside Russia but decided to remain with Krasnodar but with some clauses inserted into his deal.
“These past winter and summer windows, I got some interesting offers from some top leagues in Europe,” he revealed.
The option of terminating his contract using FIFA ‘s special dispensation clause or pausing his contract as approved by the football governing body due to the war is one idea that he doesn’t entertain because of how much he is loved at the club.
“But if they (Krasnodar) like your performance, and your dedication to the team, they will surely want you to stay. So they won my heart with that. We had a review of my contract and I decided to continue at Krasnodar, but with certain conditions and clauses.
“Maybe if I had accepted one of the offers elsewhere my career would have taken a different direction. I am loved at this club, they take care of me quite well and I feel at home.
“Maybe I am paying a heavy price for my decision but then again I am growing here and will continue to fight for the club”, he rounded up saying.
Mohammed Mowiz
