EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Arsenal star Ejeheri explains Nigeria choice of England and Uganda

Former Arsenal youth goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri has opened up on his decision to represent Nigeria at international level, despite being eligible to play for both England and Uganda.

Born in Greenwich, England to a Nigerian father and Ugandan mother, the youngster had the option of choosing from the three countries. 

Nevertheless, he opted to commit his future to the Super Eagles, a choice he says was deeply personal and rooted in heritage.

"I think I'm a person that don't really think too hard on things. I just know that whatever I want to do, I'll just do it, to be honest," Ejeheri told Flashscore.com.

"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, gifted with great height, agility, quick reflexes, and a strong presence in the box, joined Arsenal at the age of eight and worked his way up to the U18 team in 2019.

In 2023, he left the English Premier League club to pursue regular first-team football and now plays for FC Midtjylland in Denmark’s top tier.

Before his move from North London, his strong performances earned him a spot in England’s goalkeeper training camp. Interestingly, he had also received call-ups from both African countries at different times.

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

"It was a good camp, I liked it. Uganda as well of course and Nigeria as well (have called me too)."

Even so, Ejeheri made it clear that playing for the Nigerian national team is his only choice, mentioning the legendary goalkeepers he looks up to. 

"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 it comes to goalkepers I look up to, I’d say (Vincent) Enyeama, of course — he’s the one I’ve personally watched. But my dad always talks about Peter Rufai, so he’s another one I admire."

Although Stanley Nwabali is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles, the 22-year-old remains confident that his time will come soon. "I'm excited. I know it's going to be a matter of time, for sure. 

"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 had praised Ejeheri during his time at the Emirates Stadium, saying he has the talent and potential to reach great heights 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," Mertesacker had said per Utmostt Sports Management.

"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.

"There have been ups and downs on his journey so far - many really positive football performances and then some injuries that have kept him out of the game for a while.

"He grew through these times with his support network and a team of passionate academy staff that cared for him, and he is stronger now for it.

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

As Nigeria looks ahead to future tournaments, Ejeheri’s commitment adds valuable depth to a crucial position. With fierce competition for the No. 1 shirt, his decision highlights the growing pull of the Super Eagles among diaspora talents.

Now focused on his club career and eyeing an international debut, all eyes are on the lanky shot-stopper as his journey in the green and white starts to unfold. 

Shina OludareFlashscore