Former England youth international and Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has expressed deep regret over his decision not to play international football for Nigeria.
In a recent interview, the 39-year-old admitted that one of his biggest regrets after retiring from professional football is turning down the opportunity to represent the Super Eagles at senior level.
Onuoha, who was born in Warri, Delta State, to Nigerian parents but raised in England, opened up about the choice he made during his playing days.
“As I retired, I regret not playing international football,” he said.
The former defender explained that he received an invitation from Nigeria but ultimately decided against it. At the time, he was hopeful of breaking into the Manchester City’s First XI after a Manager transition at the club.
Onuoha enjoyed a solid club career, featuring for Manchester City, Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers, and later in the MLS with Real Salt Lake. However, he never earned a senior cap for any national team.
His revelation has sparked reactions among Nigerian football fans, with many wondering what could have been if he had accepted the invitation to play for Nigeria.
During his prime, Onuoha was a reliable centre-back known for his composure on the ball and strong aerial ability. Many believe he could have added depth and experience to the Super Eagles defence, especially during the period when Nigeria was rebuilding the squad.
Nigeria has a long list of players born abroad who later switched allegiance and made significant contributions to the team. Onuoha’s case adds to the conversation about players of Nigerian descent who chose to wait for England instead.
The comments have drawn mixed responses online. While some fans expressed understanding and sympathy, others criticised the timing of the regret, arguing that he had the chance but turned it down flat in favour of pursuing an England call-up that never materialised.
One fan commented: “Listening to Nedum say this is like taking medicine after death.” Others noted that Nigeria had invited him, but he made his choice at the time.
Onuoha’s story is not unusual. Several talented players with Nigerian roots have faced similar dilemmas in choosing between the country of their birth and the country of their heritage.
While some, like Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi, have successfully switched and gone on to have fulfilling international careers with the Super Eagles, others like Onuoha walked away from the opportunity entirely.
Now retired, the former defender joins a growing number of players who look back and wish they had taken the chance to represent Nigeria when it was presented to them.
This type of regret often serves as a lesson for both current players and young talents in the diaspora. The Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s biggest teams, and representing the country brings immense pride to millions of Nigerians at home and abroad.
Nigeria continues to attract more players of dual nationality, the federation however will be hoping for smoother processes and stronger persuasion to convince such talents to commit early.
