Destiny Uche Obiogumu, a midfielder who was compared to John Obi Mikel by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, has been called up to the German national youth team.
In March, Destiny represented Germany’s U18s in two games against the Netherlands and France.
According to Soccernet, Rohr saw the youngster play in an U19 Bundesliga match between Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich, where he scored to put Hoffenheim ahead before the match ended 1-1.
Rohr was full of praise for Obiogumu’s abilities, telling newsmen that he saw a player in him who could fill the void left by Mikel’s retirement from the national team.
However, it appears that Rohr’s dismissal just before the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations put an end to the Super Eagles’ pursuit of Obiogumu, who was taken aback by the interest from Nigeria.
Obiogumu, who stands 6″2 and was born in Benin City, moved to Germany with his parents when he was two years old. He hadn’t been called up to any German youth national teams when Rohr met him. He also informed Rohr that he would welcome a call from Nigeria.
According to Soccernet, Rohr said it was fortunate that he could be available right away because he had not previously represented Germany at any level. However, a fter that, Rohr was fired from his job a few weeks later.
The German authorities must have been alerted by Rohr’s interest, as he was summoned in March when an international window opened.
“I think they (the NFF) did not follow up after my departure,” Rohr told Soccernet. “But congrats to Uche, it’s a pity for Nigeria but it’s good for Germany,” smirked the German-born trainer.
