I’m Nigerian: Manchester United’s debutant defender speaks on his eligibility for the Super Eagles

Manchester United played their first pre-season match yesterday against Norwegian side Rosenborg as part of their preparation for the start of a new season. Own goal Nigeria.com reports.

The English FA Cup holders fell 1-0 to a fitter and hungrier Rosenborg, who have already played 14 games against their opponents, who only resumed training last week.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag handed first-team debuts to a number of the club’s young players as he made significant changes to the team that started the match at half-time. One of the players who played was Habeeb Ogunneye.

Ogunneye, who shot to fame when he was selected for the first team in a league game against Sheffield United in April, is a right-back who came through the youth ranks to the first team. Last season was his first for the club’s under-21 side.

The 18-year-old played 45 minutes yesterday and after the match we were treated to an interview where he spoke about his Nigerian roots and his eligibility for the senior Nigerian national team. He has only represented England at under-17 level and that was in 2021.

“Not many players have the luxury of choosing a country to play for. I have that luxury and when the time is right I will make the best decision for my senior international career,” he said in 2022.