I’m glad my son has chosen Nigeria – Ebuehi’s dad

Marvin, the father of Holland-based defender Tyronne Ebuehi, says he is happy that his son has finally committed his international future to Nigeria.

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr named Ebuehi in the Super Eagles’ squad to face Algeria in a Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier in November last year in Uyo, but the 21-year-old rejected the invite on the ground that the time was not right.

The ADO Den Haag right-back, who has a Dutch mother, was favoured to choose Holland ahead of Nigeria before he honoured Rohr’s call-up for the friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso, which has been called off.

“I must confess to you that I am glad that he has finally committed to Nigeria. I am very proud as a father. The first call-up, there was a misunderstanding and things went the way they did, unfortunately,” the Nigeria Football Federation’s official website quoted Amsterdam-based businessman Marvin as saying on Sunday.

“I apologise for that misunderstanding. I have always said that he would have to play for Nigeria at senior level, because I am proud of my country.”

He added, “Tyronne has always been crazy about football from an early age. I put him in an academy at the age of six and I’m not surprised that he’s on the way to living his dream.”

Tyronne’s sister Tyvanne is a UK-based model and brother Trevin is a student in Holland.

“I am praying that Tyronne fulfils his ambition of playing for a big club in Europe, and also become an important player for the Super Eagles of Nigeria,” Marvin said.

Meanwhile, Ogenyi Onazi said the Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Senegal in London on Thursday had ignited a burning desire for World Cup qualification.

“I am always delighted anytime I look at the faces of everyone in camp. The determination is real and infectious. It is a young and focused group; we all want to qualify for the World Cup 2018 and the next Africa Cup of Nations.”