FC Copenhagen’s new signing, German Onugkha, has expressed his desire to represent Nigeria at the international level, despite his previous commitment to Russia, Daily Query has gathered .
Born in Moscow to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, the 28-year-old forward recently withdrew from Russia’s squad for their September 2024 friendlies against Thailand and Vietnam.
Onugkha, who signed with FC Copenhagen on transfer deadline day, has expressed his intention to apply for a Nigerian passport, signaling his desire to join the Super Eagles.
After making his unofficial debut for Copenhagen in a friendly against Landskrona BoIS, Onugkha explained his decision: “I declined Russia’s call-up because I wanted to focus on my next club and future, and felt it would be better to stay in Europe.”
The forward also shared his plans to begin the process of obtaining Nigerian citizenship: “Over the next month, I’ll work on getting a Nigerian passport since my father is Nigerian. I’ll visit the embassy here in Copenhagen and see how it goes.”
Onugkha’s club career has spanned several countries since his debut in the Russian Professional Football League with Zenit Penza in 2017. He has played for teams like FC Krasnodar, Vejle Boldklub, Bnei Sakhnin, and Rubin Kazan before joining FC Copenhagen, where he has already made an impact.
The former FC Tambov standout has recorded 64 goals and 11 assists in 210 club appearances. His breakout season in the Danish Superliga last year, where he scored 15 goals for Vejle Boldklub, drew attention from several clubs, eventually leading to his move to Denmark’s most successful football club.
Onugkha’s decision to switch international allegiance to Nigeria is seen as a positive development, as he will strengthen the Super Eagles’ attack, joining stars like Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface.
