Onuoha eyes Eagles six years after snubbing Nigeria for England

Queens Park Rangers captain, Nedum Onuoha, has made a U-turn by declaring his intention to play for Nigeria six years after dumping the Super Eagles for the Three Lions of England.

The ex-England Under-21 defender in May 2010 turned down a World Cup invite from the Super Eagles.

The defender was not fully committed on a decision on his international future when he spoke to Nigeria manager Lars Lagerback last month forcing the Swede to leave him out his provisional World Cup squad.

But former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha also warned Onuoha then against pledging his international future to England rather than Nigeria.

“Playing for Nigeria would have afforded him the chance of [featuring] at the World Cup which attracts better offers for him,” Okocha said.

“I just hope he won’t live to regret that action for the rest of his life,” added the former Hull City and Bolton midfielder.

“If I were him, I would grab the chance of playing for Nigeria rather than beg for an England shirt.”

At the weekend, the 29-year-old who scored the winner at last weekend’s trip to Wigan claims that though the desire to pull on the green shirt no longer burns so brightly, he is still ready to accept an invitation to play for Nigeria.

“There was a time in the past where I did have the opportunity with Nigeria, but it was really only on one occasion,” he said.

“Since then I’ve had a few false dawns with people saying they can sort this out and that out, but it has not happened and I’ve enjoyed the club side of football.

“It is not that important to me to be honest. If I was to receive a call-up then that would be great and there would be a decision to make, but I’ve not received one.”

He added that he will continue to be a fan of the Super Eagles and other Nigeria national teams during international competitions.

“I’m happy to be a fan for now,” he added and I kept an eye on the boys at the Olympics where they always seem to do well.

“For anyone like me who was born there you hold the success of your nation close to your heart and like to see them doing well. Unfortunately, the gold medal was not to be.”

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