Latest News
Brooke Nunn: English-born Hibernian forward keen to represent Nigeria
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Hibernian forward, Brooke Georgina Nunn says she is relishing the prospect of playing for Nigeria at the senior international level – if the West African country offers the exciting opportunity.
The London-born forward played for Arsenal in the early career days and was part of a successful side that won the Women’s Super League twice, the WSL Cup twice, and the FA Cup, including featuring in the Gunner’s Champions League squad in 2011.
The former Arsenal FC player that the possibility of playing for Super Falcons is brighter now with the recent switch of the likes of Ashleigh Plumptre to the team after featuring for England at the youth level.
“Initially I didn’t think the possibility of playing for the Super Falcons was there a few years back because you don’t often see or hear of players that didn’t grow up in Nigeria within the squad,” Brooke told Nigeriafootball.ng.
“But owing to the paradigm shift in recent years which handed players outside the country who are of Nigerian descent and heritage the possibility to represent the country, has given me hope and faith that I can also have an opportunity to play for Nigeria. I find it very motivating and I want to be a symbol of this possibility.”
Her family was situated in Lagos, where her dad Jackson Asiboje was one of the Directors of a shipping company that is based in Apapa. Representing Nigeria is always important as a player and the Nigeria women’s national team is no doubt the most successful team in Africa with a track record of players with great potential over the years.
Brooke is eligible to play for Nigeria through her mother who is half Nigerian and German. She now harbours the dream of playing for the most successful national team in Africa as an honour.
She added: “I get my Nigerian heritage from my mother as my mother is half Nigerian and half German. She was born in England as was I and didn’t grow up with her parents as she lived in a foster home from an early age.
“I see a reflection of this potential in me and I think being part of the team would be an honour and achievement for me as a footballer. It’s something that fulfills you.”
With nine-time African champions needing more firepower upfront after ending a seven-match losing streak with a 1-0 win over Costa Rica at the maiden Revelation Cup, Brooke is confident of bringing something new to the table.
She said: “I think I could bring many things. I have wealth of experience playing with world-class players, and I have also been playing in arguably one of the best leagues in the world. I would bring my knowledge, wisdom, and positivity to the team and help drive everyone to their full potential.
“I think my strengths are my pace and my fast footwork and I would hopefully bring my creativity and vision on Board to help contribute to getting the best version of the team. I am quite versatile in the attacking positions but my preferred positions are midfield 10 or on the wings.”
In the 2018/2019 season, she moved to the London Bees, where she spent three seasons – making 13 appearances in the FA women’s Championship in her final year. Her performances caught the eye of Hibernian head coach Dean Gibson, who tried to sign her at the beginning of 2021.
However, she stayed in London once more, as she switched to the London City Lionesses in the Summer of 2021 and the forward scored three goals for the Pride in all competitions, helping them to a second-placed finish.
“I was born and raised in London.” Brooke continued. “I started playing football at a very young age, just on the street with the other local kids and having kickabouts in the park.
“I was scouted at school by Arsenal academy at 10 and went through the ranks of U-10, U-12, and U-16 reserves and made it into Arsenal’s first team, winning WSL twice, the WSL Cup twice, and the Women’s FA Cup.
“I was also included in the Gunner’s Champions League squad in 2011. From there I went Into championship teams London Bees and London City Lionesses. I have currently just moved to WSPL for a new start and adventure.
Football has always been a passion of mine and I find it so beautiful to be a language that everyone can speak.”
In 2022 summer transfer, Nunn headed to Izmir, joining Turkish Women’s Super League side, Altay, with whom she spent the first half of the season before returning to the United Kingdom (U.K) to join Hibernian. She hasn’t visited Nigeria but looking forward to the beauty of its culture, especially local delicacies.
“Unfortunately I haven’t, but it Is something I am passionate about and is on my to-do list. As a professional footballer, it’s hard to get time off, and I would want to spend a couple of weeks there to really embrace the culture, especially the food.
“I have received quite a number of positive reviews about many places in Nigeria and I can’t wait to experience the beauty of it myself. I have also heard so much about traditional dishes like Nigerian jollof rice and fufu which I’d love to have a taste someday.”
Continue Reading