CSKA’s Solomon-Otabor Chooses Nigeria Over England

Solomon-Otabor, the CSKA Sofia winger, has revealed that he has chosen to play for Nigeria over England.

The 23-year-old is eligible to play for the Super Eagles as he holds dual-nationality and has not represented England at the senior level.

In June 2015, the ex-Birmingham City youth player Otabor attend trials with Nigeria Olympic Youth team and trained with the team ahead of 2015 All-Africa Games campaign.

In an interview with AOI Football, Otabor revealed that he has always been drawn to Nigeria.

“I don’t take decisions alone. I have discussed with my parents if the Nigeria Football Federation contacts me to play. But for now, I am ready. My parents want me to represent Nigeria and that is what I will do,” Otabor hinted.

“I want to be a patriotic and a committed footballer who will never turn his back on the nation when given the opportunity to play for the good people of Nigeria. I believe I have what it takes to make the most out of the opportunity when afforded one. I’m ever ready to represent my beloved country should I be invited by the technical handlers.”

“I know the competition for places in the squad wouldn’t be easy but I’m a fighter who’s always prepared for a battle and I believe I can thrive under the charges of coach Gernot Rohr because he’s a tactical genius who can easily bring the best out of any player.”

“My parents have always helped me to trace my roots and it will be their wish to see me play for Nigeria,” he concluded.

Otabor joined Birmingham City’s junior ranks when he was 12 years old.

In 2018 he was offered a chance to play for the England U-21 team. Aidy Boothroyd called him up for the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Andorra and Scotland but declined the opportunity.

Born in London to parents originally from Edo state, Nigeria. Victor-Banks Otabor, his father, played for Bendel Insurance, NNPC, and Eagle Oil before moving abroad.