England international and AC Milan defender, Fikayo Tomori, has opened up about his international allegiance, revealing that a call from Nigeria could have shaped his career very differently.
Born in Canada to Nigerian parents and raised in England, Tomori has always maintained a strong connection to Nigeria, culturally, socially, and through long-standing friendships with several Super Eagles stars.
Reflecting on the path he eventually chose, Tomori explained that his decision to represent England was heavily influenced by opportunity and timing.
Tomori: “If it were Nigeria, I would have gone there. Would I have switched to Nigeria from England? I’m not sure because at the time, I was playing for Chelsea and believed I could make it to the national team.”
He stressed that his absence from the Super Eagles wasn’t due to lack of interest, pride, or hesitation, but simply because the Nigerian Football Federation never reached out to him when it mattered.
Tomori: “Nigeria isn’t a bad option, though. All my friends are there: Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi. It’s not like I wouldn’t have played there, but they never called me, so I never had a choice to make. If they had called me, I would have a decision to make, but they never officially called me.”
Tomori also reflected on the emotional connection he still feels toward Nigeria, a nation that shaped his upbringing through culture, family values, and the community around him.
He admitted that the Super Eagles were a “real possibility” had circumstances aligned differently.
Ultimately, his journey was shaped by who showed belief first. England offered him a clear pathway, competitive opportunities, and consistent communication at a decisive stage of his development.
Discussion about this post