William Osula’s previous comments deflates hopes of a Super Eagles switch

The NFF recently opened talks with Danish and Newcastle United striker William Osula over a possible switch of International allegiance, but that decision could’ve been made a long time ago, Afrik Foot reports.

Following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments and mounting public scrutiny, the NFF have intensified efforts to secure more talent across Europe.

Osula was born in Denmark to a Danish mother and Nigerian-French father, and raised partly in England; he is eligible to represent four nations: Denmark, Nigeria, France, and England.

He has represented Denmark at the U19 and U21 levels and even received a senior call-up late last year before withdrawing due to injury. He remains uncapped at senior level, meaning a one-time FIFA switch remains possible.

William Osula’s switch to Super Eagles in doubt

In a 2022 interview with Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Osula discussed his connection to Denmark and a dream of representing them on the International scene.

“I dream of becoming a top player one day and reaching my maximum level as a player. Hopefully I play at a high level one day and meet the best in the world,” an 18-year-old Osula said.

“And hopefully one day I can also play in a national team.

“I feel at home in Denmark. I lived there, was born in Denmark and raised in Copenhagen. It’s great to represent Denmark, which is a big part of me,” the former Sheffield United striker concluded.

The Newcastle United striker did not frame Denmark as one option among many. Instead, he calls it home.

While there are elements that favour Nigeria in the tussle against Denmark, the striker will have to compete with already-established Nigerian attackers like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams.

With Denmark not scheduled for a competitive fixture until September’s UEFA Nations League clash against Norway, Nigeria effectively have a narrow window to present their project convincingly.

Once Osula earns a competitive senior cap for Denmark, the door closes permanently, but the choice is down to the 22-year-old.

The question now is whether Nigeria can offer something compelling enough to outweigh what Osula has already described as “home.”