Torunarigha who plays in Belgium was born to Nigerian parents but opted to represent Germany at youth levels
By Kehinde Okeowo
KAA Gent defender, Jordan Torunarigha has been cleared to switch his nationality by the Federation of International Football Federation (FIFA).
The Belgium-based star who was born to Nigerian parents but grew up in Germany, opted to represent the European giants at various youth levels and in the Olympics in 2021, despite overtures from the West African nation.
In 2018, when Franco-German coach Gernot Rohr was in charge, the NFF reached out to him, but he declined the invitation to represent the Super Eagles, even though his father, Ojokojo Torunarigha, donned the Nigerian jersey in the 1990s.
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He later approached FIFA requesting to switch his allegiance to Nigeria after further conversations with the current coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peirrera and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials.
According to Soccer net.ng, the Players’ Status Chamber of FIFA has now officially granted his request to play for the Super Eagles.
Torunarigha could be included in Nigeria’s squad for next month’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe.
He made 34 league appearances for Gent last season with three goals to his name.
