Brighton Defender Snubs England, Commits to Nigeria's Super Eagles on International Level

Brighton Defender Snubs England, Commits to Nigeria's Super Eagles on International Level

Chukwu Ikechukwu
updated at April 30, 2024 at 6:33 AM
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Brighton Hove Albion
England
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Odeluga Offiah logo
O.Offiah
Brighton U21 logoDEngland logo
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Super Eagles logo
Super Eagles
South Africa
Manchester City logo
Manchester City
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England
  • Brighton defender, Odel Offiah, has committed his international career to Nigeria
  • The 21-year-old right-back is eligible to feature for England or the Super Eagles
  • Offiah has made just two appearances for the Seagulls in the Premier League

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Brighton defender, Odel Offiah, is set to join a long list of England-born players with the Super Eagles after committing his international future to Nigeria.

The 21-year-old right-back, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, has pledged his international allegiance to the three-time African champions.

Odel Offiah, Nigeria, Super Eagles, Brighton, Premier League, EPL
Brighton defender, Odel Offiah, has committed his future to Nigeria despite being eligible to represent England where he was born. Photo by David Horton.
Source: Getty Images

According to Own Goal Nigeria, Offiah’s representatives claim the Brighton defender will play for Nigeria if he gets invited to the Super Eagles camp by the new coach of the national team.

"He hasn't played for England at any level and he is 21 years old already. It's a no-brainer to know where he stands a better chance of having a fulfilled international career. Offiah will play for Nigeria if he gets invited as early as the next international break."

Offiah could follow in the footsteps of Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Semi Ajayi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who were all born in the UK but chose to represent the Super Eagles.

Offiah impresses in Man City defeat

Meanwhile, despite Brighton’s disastrous 4-0 loss to defending champions, Manchester City, Offiah put up a superb display for the Seagulls in just his second EPL appearance, Brighton and Hove Albion reports.

The 21-year-old defender, who graduated from the club's academy system, was brought on at the start of the second half against the Citizens and his performances caught the eye of manager, Roberto de Zerbi.

Offiah, who still stars for Brighton’s under-21 squad, has clocked a total of 119 minutes in the Premier League this season and is expected to retain his place in the club’s first team due to a current injury crisis.

Man City keep pressure on Arsenal

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Manchester City kept pace with Arsenal on Sunday, seeing off Nottingham Forest to go one point behind the Gunners.

The Citizens had earlier thrashed Brighton 4-0 in their previous English top flight game as they continued their push for a fourth Premier League title.

Arsenal are on 80 points with three matches to go, one point clear of City, but the champions crucially have a game in hand and remain firm favourites.

Authors
Chukwu Ikechukwu photo
Chukwu Ikechukwu
Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a journalist with over 9 years of experience in the Nigerian media industry. He has worked both in Radio (Today FM, Rhythm FM, Wish FM) and Television (Silverbird TV) as a Sports Analyst..