Derik, 22, has played for Spain’s youth sides, most recently recording two caps for their under-21 team.
However, the centre-back, who is contracted to Real’s B side, wishes to be called up by Nigeria’s senior side, as his father is Nigerian.
“I have lived in Spain all my life and I am not sure the people in Nigeria are aware that I have Nigerian blood,” Derik, who was born in Madrid, said.
“But I crave for something special with Nigeria because it will give me a chance to properly connect with the ancestral home of my father.
“My father is from Benin City [southern Nigeria] and even though I have never been there I always follow events in Nigeria.
“I celebrated when the country won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and I was cheering the team at the last World Cup in Brazil.
“Even if it’s difficult for some people to understand, I have made my decision [to represent Nigeria] and am going to stick to it.
“My father has not influenced my decision in any way. I respect him and adore his outlook on life but it’s my personal desire to play for Nigeria.”
Credit: Nigerian Guardian
No comments:
Post a Comment