Super Eagles: COVID stopped me playing for Nigeria – Dutch star

Former Manchester United youth forward Dillon Ifunanya Chukwu Hoogewerf has revealed he would welcome the opportunity to represent Nigeria at senior international level, Afrik-Foot reports.

Hoogewerf admits that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his earlier chance to play for the West African giants.

Born in Almere in the Netherlands 23 years ago to a Dutch father, Hoogewerf is eligible to play for Nigeria through his mother. He previously represented the Netherlands at youth level, featuring for the country’s U15, U16, and U17 teams but remains eligible for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Despite that early progress, his international journey slowed down soon after. His last appearance for the Netherlands youth teams came in November 2019, when he scored in a friendly match against the United States U18 side.

However, the Ajax and Manchester United academy product is ready to relaunch his international career with Nigeria.

Hoogewerf says his connection to Nigeria remains strong and personal, explaining why wearing the green-and-white jersey remains one of his ambitions. The exciting winger even hinted that Nigeria may have made contact with a view to future callups.

“It’s my mother’s country. I’ve been there a few times and have said I want to help people there,” Hoogewerf told VI.

“That culture suits me better. There’s a better chance of being remembered in African countries. There are so many good footballers.

“When I was sixteen, I had the chance to play for Nigeria. Then COVID hit, and I was playing for the Dutch youth teams.

“This season, we reconnected. To play for Nigeria, I have to play at a higher level.”

Hoogewerf’s Dutch journey, Nigerian dream

Hoogewerf’s development began in the Netherlands, where he rose through the academy ranks at Almere City and Ajax Amsterdam. During the 2018–19 season, he scored ten goals and registered six assists for Ajax’s U17 team, averaging a goal every 167 minutes.

His performances attracted strong interest abroad, and in June 2019 he moved to Manchester United after turning down a professional offer from Ajax. The transfer made him the first signing under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

He later signed his first professional contract in March 2020 and announced himself at youth level by scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle United’s U18 side later that year. In January 2022, Hoogewerf switched to Borussia Mönchengladbach, joining the German club’s reserve team as he continued his development in senior football.

The forward is now rebuilding momentum at SBV Vitesse, whom he joined in the summer of 2024 on a two-year deal with an option for a third season. He has scored nine goals this campaign, a return that has reignited discussions about his international future.

With Nigeria monitoring dual-nationality talents across Europe, Hoogewerf’s improving form could yet open the door to a long-awaited Super Eagles opportunity.