Former Super Eagles striker Osaze Odemwingie says a formative trip to his grandfather’s village and a deep childhood bond with Nigeria convinced him to represent the Super Eagles rather than Russia, despite his dual heritage.
Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to a Nigerian father and Russian mother, Odemwingie’s early life was split between both worlds. He spent his first seven years in Nigeria, where he attended primary school, before moving back to Russia for his secondary education. At 17, he returned to Nigeria, spending five years playing professional football in the country before making the move to Europe.
Reflecting on what tilted his heart toward Nigeria, Odemwingie recalled a defining journey with his father. “I went to my village with my dad and met my granddad. I had a strong connection with Nigeria from early childhood,” he said, describing how the experience rooted his identity and made the Super Eagles feel like a natural choice.
He also credited his father for planting a deep love for the national team. “My dad made me excited about the Eagles. ‘Up Super Eagles!’ he’d say it with this big smile and I’d just be so happy as a kid,” Odemwingie recounted, noting how that enthusiasm shaped his football dreams. He added that his Russian mother was equally supportive of his Nigerian side: “My mum also played a major role, despite being Russian, she loved Nigeria.”
Odemwingie went on to enjoy a significant international career with the Super Eagles, earning 63 caps and scoring 10 goals, including appearances at major tournaments that cemented his place in Nigeria’s modern football history.
