Owngoalnigeria.com had a chat with Hamburg highly rated 18 year old defensive midfielder Jonas Benjamin Chimezie David who recently declared his intention to represent Nigeria ahead of Germany to this portal last month.
The lanky and imposing midfielder who led the U19 of Hamburg to glory last season is widely viewed as one of the top prospects in the academy of the relegated Bundesliga side.
Already he has made the step up to the first team and he earned positive reviews after impressing in a pre season friendly game against Bayern Munich and it immediately sparked talks about his international future.
In this interview with Osas Mahawi, Jonas explained why he opt for Nigeria ahead of Germany and his immediate aim of playing for Nigeria at any level, although the U20s is his main target for now.
OGN – Hello Jonas, what informed your decision to declare for Nigeria ahead of Germany?
Jonas – I want to make my father proud and playing for the country that he comes from will help me fulfill my aim of making him very happy.
OGN – Are your parents in support of your decision to play for Nigeria ahead of Germany?
Jonas – Yes. I am blessed with the most wonderful set of parent. They support my decision and I pray it comes to pass soonest than later.
OGN – Have you ever been to Nigeria ?
Jonas – No. I have not been to Nigeria yet, but this is a fact I really want to change in the nearest future. Hopefully before or if I get invited to any of the national team of Nigeria.
OGN – What’s your immediate target with the Nigerian team?
Jonas – Honestly, I want to progress through the ranks meaning I will love to start from the youth teams but that doesn’t mean I’m not eyeing the senior national team of Nigeria.
OGN – So who is your favourite Super Eagles player?
Jonas – John Obi Mikel. The captain and I share similar characteristic as midfielders and I hope to emulate his success with the Nigerian team and also match his achievement at club level.
