Super Eagles defender, Tyronne Ebuehi has expressed no regrets about his choice to represent Nigeria in international football rather than the Netherlands.
The 22-year-old was born in Haarlem in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, making him eligible to play for both nations.
The right-back made his debut for the Nigerian national team in June 2017 and was part of the Super Eagles squad at the 2018 World Cup, though he only appeared as a substitute in the win over Iceland.
“There’s absolutely no regret, it was a big choice and one I can happily live with,” the defender told BBC Sport.
“My father was born in Nigeria and he is from Benin City, which makes me half Nigerian. My mother is from Holland, so I’m half Nigerian and half Dutch.
“Nigeria is one of the biggest football countries in Africa. I think it was a great opportunity for me to play for Nigeria.
“So I’m happy that I made this decision. I think it’s the best decision I have made in my football career.”
Ebuehi began his professional career at ADO Den Haag in the Eredivisie before signing a five-year deal in May to join Portuguese giants Benfica.
He also revealed that fellow Dutch-born defender William Troost-Ekong had played a ‘big role’ in his decision to play for the Super Eagles.
“Born in the same city [Haarlem] as me, Troost-Ekong gave me some advice and told me about the benefits of playing for Nigeria,” he said.
“As a big brother he had played for the Netherlands at junior levels before choosing Nigeria, so he also had a big role to play in my decision.”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
