Ex-Arsenal lad commits to Super Eagles, rejects England and Uganda – ‘A good step’

Former Arsenal academy goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri has made it clear where his international future lies after revealing his dream of playing for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who currently plays for Danish champions FC Midtjylland, is eligible to represent England, Nigeria and Uganda because of his background. He was born in Greenwich, London, and even attended an England youth training camp in December 2020, leaving all three countries as possible options.

However, after receiving his first invitation to train with Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad during the 2026 Unity Cup in London, Ejeheri says wearing Nigeria’s green and white shirt has become his biggest career ambition.

Training alongside established Super Eagles players during the Unity Cup gave the young goalkeeper his first taste of life around the senior national team. Although he is yet to make his competitive debut for Nigeria, he has already decided which country he hopes to represent in the future.

With Nigeria preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and beginning a new era under head coach Eric Chelle, Ejeheri will hope his performances in Denmark can earn him another invitation.

Ejeheri’s journey began at Arsenal’s famous Hale End academy, where he joined as an eight-year-old in 2008. After rising through the club’s youth system, he signed his first professional contract in August 2021 and regularly featured for Arsenal’s Under-18 and Under-21 teams in Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.

To gain senior experience, Arsenal sent him on several loan spells. At Chelmsford City in 2022, he made 25 appearances in all competitions and kept 12 clean sheets. The following year, he impressed in Finland with SJK Seinäjoki, recording nine clean sheets in just 14 Veikkausliiga matches.

“Representing Nigeria would mean a lot to me. It would definitely be the biggest achievement of my career and something I’m looking forward to the most.

“Of course, there are a lot of good Nigerian goalkeepers, so it’s up to me to perform as well as I can for my club. Playing regularly is the most important thing for me. As long as I’m playing, anything can happen.”