Ike Ugbo, a striker for the Canada national team who is headed to the World Cup, has given his explanation for choosing Canada over Nigeria as his future international destination.
Ugbo’s goal-scoring prowess put him on the radar of several national teams in September 2021 as he started to score goals.
He publicly expressed his desire to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria after agreeing to a new, long-term contract with Genk in Belgium’s first division.
But eventually, the desire to participate in the 2022 World Cup drove such a choice.
In 2020, Ugbo started the process to submit a change of allegiance from England to Nigeria.
Ugbo, however, now claims that he never spoke with Gernot Rohr, the Nigerian national team’s coach at the time, during the decision-making stage.
“I never heard from then-Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr throughout the process” – Ike Ugbo via the Athletic UK.
The forward has now been named by Canada’s coach – John Herdman as part of the 26-man squad that will be representing the North American side at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Canada will be making their first appearance in the tournament since 1986 and Ike Ugbo, who has not been in top form this season with just a goal and assist to his name while featuring in 13 matches for Ligue 1 side – Troyes, will be looking to bounce back at the competition in Qatar.
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