Nigerian-Spanish striker Samu Omorodion has recently revealed that he turned down an opportunity to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria in favor of pursuing his international career with Spain. This decision highlights his commitment to establishing himself in the Spanish football scene, particularly after his recent participation in the 2024 Olympics where he represented La Roja.
Declining the Call from Nigeria
In a recent interview with Dario AS, Omorodion disclosed that he was approached by the Nigerian Football Federation for a potential call-up to the national team but opted to decline. The Melilla-born striker stated, “I don’t think about Nigeria. My goal is to debut with the Senior team and make my career in Spain,” signaling a clear intent to focus solely on his ambitions with the Spanish national team.
Career Progression with Spain
Although he has not yet made his senior debut for Spain, Omorodion has been an integral part of the youth setup, boasting impressive statistics. He has made 12 appearances for Spain’s U19 and U21 teams, scoring three goals. His standout performance at the 2024 Olympics was particularly noteworthy, as he contributed to Spain’s gold medal victory by scoring once and playing in four matches.
Future Prospects
Omorodion’s strong start at Porto, where he has netted five goals in four matches, has put him in contention for a senior call-up to the Spanish national team. If selected, this would solidify his commitment to Spain and effectively end any possibility of him representing Nigeria at the international level.
His journey reflects the complex decisions faced by dual-nationality players and highlights Omorodion’s determination to make his mark in European football, particularly with the Spanish national team.