AFCON 2025
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has admitted that he regrets rejecting the opportunity to represent Nigeria national football team during his playing career.
Onuoha, who was born in Manchester to Nigerian parents, said the decision was made during a difficult period at Manchester City when he was struggling for regular playing time and trying to establish himself under then-manager Roberto Mancini.
He explained that the invitation to join Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations came at a time when leaving the club for several weeks in January could have affected his chances of breaking into the first team.
“But from a football standpoint, I remember thinking, right, I’m currently not playing at City here. And I’m going to go away for six weeks in January, from January time. I’m going to come back, I’m going to have nothing.
“I was like, I can’t, I don’t think I can do that. People say, no, you do it, put yourself in the shot window, this, that and the other. It’s like, nah, it just doesn’t feel right” He said
According to him, as a young player, his priority was to succeed at City, the club he supported and developed through its academy.
He said he also believed staying at the club would improve his chances of securing a regular place, but later found that he still struggled for opportunities after turning down the call-up.
Reflecting on the decision, Onuoha admitted that it remains one of the biggest regrets of his career, noting that representing Nigeria would have meant a lot to him personally and to others who identify with his background.
“And if I’d have had a chance to do it for Nigeria, I know how much it would have meant for people like me. But, you know, the decisions I made in that time are the ones that felt right”
He also spoke about his deep connection to Nigeria, describing the country as home and saying he always feels a strong sense of belonging among Nigerians.
Onuoha noted that attitudes toward the Africa Cup of Nations were different at the time, as some European clubs were reluctant to release or sign African players due to the mid-season timing of the tournament. He added that the competition is now more respected in modern football.
He concluded that, in hindsight, he would have made a different decision if given another chance, especially considering how much international football means to players and their families.
