The Spanish Football Federation have taken a huge step toward securing rising star Samuel Omorodion (now Aghehowa) for La Roja, leaving Nigeria’ Football Federation’s hopes of enlisting him for the Super Eagles in doubt.
Samu who has gained traction as one of the Portuguese league’s most lethal scorers with seven goals since his summer move to FC Porto from Atlético de Madrid has now earned his first call-up to Spain's senior squad.
The EURO 2024 winners, set to conclude their UEFA Nations League group stage this November, have already secured a place in the quarter-finals, thus allowing head coach Luis de la Fuente the flexibility to experiment with the roster.
20-year-old Samu, who recently scored a hat-trick for Spain’s U21s against Malta, is likely to feature in these matches against Denmark and Switzerland, as Spain competes for the group’s top spot.
Samu Omorodion’s Nigerian roots and eligibility
Born in Melilla to Nigerian parents and raised in Seville, Omorodion is eligible to represent Nigeria under FIFA’s nationality rules.
The Nigeria Football Federation previously attempted to bring him into the Super Eagles setup, notably ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Samu instead chose Spain, helping them secure Olympic gold with a goal during the summer tourney.
While his potential senior appearance for Spain could complicate Nigeria's pursuit, FIFA rules still allow a player to switch national allegiances if they’ve played in no more than three competitive senior matches before turning 21 and have not featured in a major tournament like the World Cup or Euros.
The 20-year-old forward recently changed his name, choosing to adopt his mother’s maiden name, Aghehowa, over his father’s surname, Omorodion. Now playing under the name “Samu. A” on his Porto jersey.
