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German-born Jordan Torunarigha explains initial Nigeria snub, finally reopens door
By Monsurah Olatunji
Jordan Torunarigha has revealed reasons, why he snubbed Nigeria call-up when Gernot Rohr offered him a place in the Nigeria squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Born in Chemnitz, Germany, to a Nigerian father Ojokojo, who played as a professional for Shooting Stars before moving to Germany to continue his development in the German youth sides where Jordan was born.
Jordan left Hertha Berlin for Gent last year after a season out on loan just few years after he represented the German Olympic team at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.
Despite his connection with Nigeria, the highly-rated defender had never visited the West African nation and was invited by Rohr to solve his defensive problem heading to the 2018 World Cup.
After initially turning down the country’s invite, the former Germany youth international has made a U-turn on his decision, declaring his availability to play for the three-time African champions and shares the motivation behind it.
“It is difficult for me because my parents are from Nigeria, but I have never been to Nigeria,” Torunarigha told Soccernet.
“I don’t know how the people are, I don’t know what what the country looks like. And for me, it is a little bit difficult.
“My dad only listened to Fela when he took his shower. I listen to his music. He’s a legend for all Nigerians.
“I always say that I didn’t become a professional for me alone. I want to help the people who don’t have so much.”
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