Okaka: With Nigeria I would have felt a bit of a foreigner

Italian striker of Nigerian descent, Stefano Okaka, has revealed why he turned down the offer to play for the Super Eagles.

In April 2014, Okaka was in talks with the Nigeria Football Federation about the possibility of switching allegiance to his parents’ country and playing with the Nigeria national team preparing for the World Cup.

The 25-year-old Sampdoria forward, who made a goal-scoring debut with the Italian national team in the 1-0 win against Albania in November, has now revealed that cultural and language barriers informed his decision not to represent Nigeria.

“I talked to everyone, gave me lots of advice. Despite my roots, with Nigeria I would have felt a bit of a foreigner. I said no, I do not know their culture, the language, nothing of that country,” he said.

“It’s everyone’s dream to play for the national team and I made it. I’m sure that’s just the beginning of many other experiences.”

Born in Castiglione del Lago, Umbria, Italy to Nigerian parents who later obtained Italian citizenship, Okaka has dismissed suggestions linking his style of play to Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

He also clarified his future with Sampdoria, saying he is committed to the club, with earlier reports linking him with Juventus.

“’I wrote a letter to the fans to make it clear that I stay here 100 per cent. Juventus? I am good at Sampdoria.

“You ask me because I’m black? I’m not the new Balotelli, I’m Stefano Okaka. We are friends, I wish all the best to Mario but each makes his path”

After gaining Italian citizenship in 2007, Okaka was selected for the Italian Under-19 side. He made his debut for the Italy U-20 team in 2008, scoring two goals. On 17 November 2009, he made his debut with the Italy U-21 squad in a match against Luxembourg.