“I decided to say no” – 64-goal striker reveals why he dumped Russia for Nigeria’s Super Eagles

FC Copenhagen’s new signing, German Onugkha, has expressed his desire to represent Nigeria at the international level, despite his previous commitment to Russia, Soccernet.ng reports.

Born in Moscow to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, the 28-year-old forward recently withdrew from Russia’s squad for their September 2024 friendlies against Thailand and Vietnam.

Onugkha, who signed for Copenhagen on transfer deadline day, revealed that he is ready to apply for a Nigerian passport, signaling his intent to join the Super Eagles.

Speaking, as per Daily Post, after his unofficial debut for Copenhagen in a friendly against Landskrona BoIS, Onugkha explained his reasoning behind the decision:

“I decided to say no [to Russia’s call-up] because I wanted to focus on my next club, my future, and therefore I said that it would be better for me to stay here in Europe.”

The forward also revealed his plans to begin the process of acquiring Nigerian citizenship:

“During the next month, I will try to get a Nigerian passport because my father is from there. So I will go to the Embassy here in Copenhagen and see if I can get it, then we will see.”

Onugkha’s club career has taken him across several countries, starting with his debut in the Russian Professional Football League for Zenit Penza in 2017.

He has played for clubs like FC Krasnodar, Vejle, Bnei Sakhnin, and Rubin Kazan, before joining FC Copenhagen, where he has already shown promise.

The former Tambov star has registered 64 goals and 11 assists across 210 games in his club career.

His top-scoring campaign in the Danish Superliga last season, where he netted 15 goals for Vejle Boldklub, caught the attention of many clubs, ultimately leading to his move to Denmark’s most successful football club.

Onugkha’s decision to switch international allegiance to Nigeria is a welcomed development as he will surely add more firepower to the Super Eagles attack that already boasts Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface among others.