West Ham Star Ogbonna Chose Nigeria Ahead Of Italy But Snubbed By NFF

West Ham star Angelo Ogbonna had wanted to represent Nigeria instead of Italy internationally but was ignored by the Nigeria Football Federation, his uncle has revealed.

Now 28, the central defender was born in Cassino to Nigerian parents who are both from Owerri West in Imo State, and made his debut for the Italian National Team against Poland in an international friendly in 2011, having played for the U21s two years earlier.

“Angelo wanted to play for Nigeria but was ignored by the Nigeria Football Federation so he decided to play for the country where he was born, ” Angelo’s uncle, Prince Ogbonna, told allnigeriasoccer.com.

Angelo Ogbonna was included in Italy’s 23-man roster for the ongoing European championship and was an unused substitute against Belgium on Monday.

“If he is given the opportunity to play, he will surely perform just as he is doing in West Ham now.

“If he is not good he will not be invited to the Italian national team, it takes hard work to play in Italian national team, ”the former Catania player added.

Ogbonna, Alli, Barkley, Robson-Kanu, Alaba and Okotie are the six players of Nigerian descent who are representing other nations at the 2016 European Championship taking place in France.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : whufc.com