The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has successfully secured the commitment of Divine Onyemachi, a youth player from West Brom, who has decided to represent Nigeria instead of England and The Gambia.
The NDF reportedly achieved another recruitment success, with Onyemachi opting for Nigeria despite his eligibility to play for The Gambia, where he was born, and England, where he has lived for several years.
Having pledged his international future to Nigeria, the talented winger has received his first call-up to the Flying Eagles in preparation for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Onyemachi has confirmed his intention to join the training camp in Abuja, although his arrival date remains uncertain due to his obligations with his new club, Lecce.
The promising forward joined the Italian side earlier this month after leaving West Brom, where he spent two years.
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Despite receiving new contract offers from West Brom and interest from other English clubs, Onyemachi chose to sign his first professional contract with Lecce, where he will start his career with the Primavera 1 team.
The 18-year-old made his competitive debut for Lecce’s youth team against AC Milan on the opening day of the new Primavera 1 season on Sunday morning.
Renowned for his speed, versatility, and skill in one-on-one situations, Onyemachi has already been compared to the current African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.
His impressive record at West Brom includes 20 goals in 43 appearances in the U-18 Premier League, along with two goals in five matches in the FA Youth Cup.
