Ejeheri reveals why he chose Nigeria over England and Uganda

Former Arsenal youth goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri has shared insights regarding his choice to represent Nigeria on the international stage, even though he is also eligible to play for both England and Uganda. Born in Greenwich, England, to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, the young athlete had the opportunity to select from these three nations.

However, he decided to dedicate his future to the Super Eagles, a decision he describes as profoundly personal and deeply connected to his heritage.

"I believe I am someone who does not overthink matters. I simply understand that whatever I wish to pursue, I will pursue it, to be honest," Ejeheri expressed to the media.

"I know my heritage; I know I'm from those countries and I know what it would mean to my mum's side of the family or my dad's side of the family for me to play for Uganda or Nigeria. "But ultimately the decision is mine and I'm fine with that."

Ejeheri, possessing remarkable height, agility, swift reflexes, and a commanding presence in the penalty area, became a member of Arsenal at the age of eight and progressed to the U18 team in 2019.

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In 2023, he departed from the English Premier League club to seek regular first-team opportunities and is currently playing for FC Midtjylland in Denmark’s premier division.

Prior to his transition from North London, his impressive performances secured him a place in England’s goalkeeper training camp. Notably, he had also been called up by both African nations at various times.

"Yeah, all three (countries) invited me. (The invitation to) England was a goalkeeper’s camp like five or years ago," he recollected.

The camp was enjoyable, and I appreciated it. Naturally, I also have fond feelings for Uganda and Nigeria, who have reached out to me as well.

Nonetheless, Ejeheri emphasized that representing the Nigerian national team is his sole preference, citing the iconic goalkeepers he admires.

"Nigeria, for sure. I think for me, Nigeria is the team I've always wanted to play for," he added. "There were times my dad would say I had to play for Nigeria and all that, but in the end, he couldn’t force me. I know for sure that I want to play for the Super Eagles.

When considering the goalkeepers I admire, I would mention (Vincent) Enyeama, as he is the one I have personally observed. However, my father frequently speaks of Peter Rufai, making him another goalkeeper I hold in high regard.

Despite being the primary goalkeeper for Eric Chelle's Super Eagles, Stanley Nwabali, who is 22 years old, is assured that his opportunity will arise shortly. "I am thrilled. I am certain it is only a matter of time."

"And I think as long as I prove myself at club level, there's no chance that I won't be playing for Nigeria."

Former Germany international and Arsenal Academy Manager Per Mertesacker commended Ejeheri during his tenure at the Emirates Stadium, stating that he possesses the talent and potential to achieve significant success in his career.

"He will need to go through his learning journey, which will be based on hard work, a lot of mistakes and never stop driving to achieve his goal”.

"He will need to go through these in order to be successful in football and if not, we have a humble person with a multitude of skills who will find another place to be great at!

"This is why (Arsenal) holistically support our young players to be ‘strong young gunners’, we help them make their own path and have the skills that they need to be successful and happy on or off the pitch.

"Ovie has been with us for 10 years already and he has developed through our academy ranks with his dedication and passion. He gives his best on a daily basis,” he continued.

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His journey thus far has experienced both highs and lows - numerous commendable football performances accompanied by injuries that sidelined him for a period.

During these challenging times, he developed with the assistance of his support network and a dedicated team of academy staff who genuinely cared for him, resulting in his increased strength today.

"Ovie is a driven competitor who works really hard. He will create his own pathway to achieve his personal best."

As Nigeria prepares for upcoming tournaments, Ejeheri's dedication brings significant depth to an essential role. With intense rivalry for the No. 1 jersey, his choice underscores the increasing attraction of the Super Eagles to talents from the diaspora.

Currently concentrating on his club career and anticipating an international debut, all attention is directed towards the tall goalkeeper as his journey in the green and white begins to take shape.