'I was born in Denmark and have African roots' - Lecce's dual-national LB speaks on his international future

Promising Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu has spoken about his international future ahead of the 2024 European Championship.

Dorgu is qualified to represent his country of birth, Denmark as well as three-time African champions Nigeria, where his parents originally hail from.

The 19-year-old earned promotion to Lecce's first team this season after helping the U19s win the Primavera League in 2022-2023, scoring four goals in thirty-three appearances in the regular season, before going the distance against Fiorentina in the playoffs final. 

A product of FC Nordsjaelland, he became provisionally cap-tied to Denmark after making his competitive debut for their youth team in a European U19 Championship qualifier against Georgia in September 2022.

The fullback is dreaming of representing Denmark in this summer's European Championship in Germany and he sees it as something he must actively pursue.

Should Dorgu choose to play for Denmark in the European Championship, the Super Eagles-eligible defender faces a significant decision, as participating in the tournament would cap-tie him to the Scandinavian powerhouse.

"I haven't thought about that. Everyone dreams of being able to represent their country," Dorgu told bold.dk.

"I was born in Denmark and have African roots, and right now I haven't thought about having to make a choice. 

"I just play football and let it come with time."

Dorgu is among the three players of Nigerian descent named in the Danish U21 national team squad for the upcoming friendly against Austria (March 22) and the European Championship qualifier with Lithuania (March 26).

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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