Chelsea Academy product Ola Aina has explained the thinking behind his decision to commit his international future to Nigeria after earning caps for England youth teams.
The Torino defender confessed that it would have been difficult breaking into the Three Lions squad, adding that the Nigeria Football Federation dangled a carrot in front of him by offering him a chance to play for the Super Eagles straightaway.
"England was never going to give me a chance to play for the senior team, that's the difference. Nigeria gave me the pathway to play for their senior team," Aina said in an Instagram Live chat with the Super Eagles Media Team.
"I probably would have made it there at some point but Nigeria told me I can make it here now, it was a no-brainer."
"I probably would have made it there at some point but Nigeria told me I can make it here now, it was a no-brainer."
Liverpool-owned midfielder Ovie Ejaria, who was born in London like Aina, is the latest foreign-born player to switch his allegiance to the Super Eagles.
Asked if he supports Ejaria playing for Nigeria, Aina responded : "Yes, if you have the roots and from Nigeria you should be welcomed to play for Nigeria, no one should be felt like they are pushed aside".
Aina picked Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze as his most difficult opponent in the Super Eagles training sessions.
"I would say Samuel Chukwueze, he is a tricky player even in training, he is business-minded".
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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