Russian-Nigerian defender Brian Idowu expected a call up to the senior national team of Russia one year ago even after meeting with coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr.
Idowu who made his debut for Nigeria on Tuesday in their 4-2 win over Argentina, a game which he found the back of the net said it was hard for him to team up with the Nigerian team back then because he doesn’t have a Nigerian passport.
However he revealed his coach ( Gadzhiev Ghadzhi) at Amkar Perm advised him not to be in a hurry to switch allegiance to Nigeria as the interest from the African nation means he could yet play for Russia, but he felt he wasn’t needed.
“Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr contacted me and told that he is following me. He wanted to invite me to the squad, but that was impossible because I don’t have a Nigerian passport”, Idowu said after his meeting with Rohr one year ago.
“Gadzhiev (Amkar Perm coach) said that such a call is not incidental, and I should keep progressing. He advised me to wait and see if I get called by Russia as well.
“I don’t see why I can’t play for Russia if I keep getting better, but they have good players like Mario Fernandes [CSKA’s Brazilian-born right-back] in my position. They don’t miss me”, he said.
All of the above that happened one year ago is now in the past as he is fully focused on making the Nigerian team to the World Cup next year in Russia, the land of his birth.
“I feel great [with Nigeria] I have been well received by both players and coaches. The atmosphere is very positive. For me this is a huge chance and experience.
“As for why I’m not playing for Russia, I shouldn’t be asked this question. I want to go to the World Cup with Nigeria, because they believed in me.”
Michael James
