In what appears to be a subtle yet bold message to Nigeria’s football authorities, 19-year-old German-born defender Precious Ugwu has hinted at a possible international switch to the Super Eagles — and the internet is here for it.
The promising centre-back, who currently plays for FC Volendam in the Dutch Eredivisie, spoke fluently in Igbo after a recent match, sparking fresh excitement over his future allegiance. Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a Bosnian-Herzegovinian mother, Ugwu is currently eligible to play for up to four countries — including Nigeria, the Netherlands, Germany, and Bosnia.
“I Can Play for Four Countries… We’ll See” – Ugwu
In a now-viral TikTok post shared shortly after the UEFA Under-19 Championship in June, Ugwu opened up about his multicultural background and how he sees his football journey unfolding.
“I am now playing for the Netherlands but yeah I can play for four countries, so we’ll see later in the future for which one I’ll decide,” he said, following the Netherlands’ commanding 3-0 win over Germany.
The Ajax product revealed his Nigerian father named him after a former footballer, also called Precious, adding a personal twist to his connection with Nigeria.
“My father, when he was young, really liked a player named Precious and decided to give that name to me. It’s really a nice name for me,” he said.
While Ugwu currently plays for the Netherlands at youth level, his admiration for Nigeria remains clear. He has expressed deep pride in his Igbo heritage, even if he can’t yet speak the language fluently.
“I can say Kedu, Odinma, Kedu afa gi? I understand Igbo but I can’t speak it very well,” he said with a smile.
He also revealed his full Nigerian name — Uchechukwu — and mentioned that he still communicates regularly with his extended family in Nigeria, having last visited the country nine years ago.
“I’m Proud of My Roots” – Ugwu
Ugwu didn’t hold back when asked about his favourite Nigerian food.
“My best Nigerian food is jollof rice and meat or chicken, anything. Egusi soup, plantain… the food is amazing,” he said.
The defender added that his connection to his Nigerian roots remains strong, even though he’s based in Europe.
“I contact my family in Nigeria on the phone always, so it is nice. I am really close to my roots and proud of it.”
Super Eagles Eyes on the Diaspora
Ugwu’s emergence comes at a time when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, is actively scouting foreign-based talents willing to switch allegiances to the Super Eagles.
With Nigeria struggling in recent World Cup qualifiers — drawing four out of six games and losing one in Group C — the defensive line has been a major concern. The Super Eagles conceded two late goals in recent games, including a last-minute equalizer by Zimbabwe and defensive lapses against Ghana in the Unity Cup.
Ugwu’s strong performances and cultural alignment with Nigeria could make him an ideal fit in a defence that urgently needs a refresh. His ability to speak Igbo, understand the culture, and connect with local fans gives him an edge over other foreign-born options.
The Road Ahead
While Ugwu remains undecided about his senior international future, his recent comments and viral video are already fuelling speculation.
For a country hungry for talent and stability at the back, the question is no longer whether Nigeria wants Precious Ugwu — but whether the NFF will move fast enough to secure him before another nation does.
“We’ll see later in the future,” Ugwu said. But the time for Nigeria to act — might just be now.
