Fikayo Tomori Says Nigeria Never Invited Him: “So I Never Had a Choice”
AC Milan star Fikayo Tomori has opened up about his international allegiance, revealing that Nigeria never reached out to him — despite his strong ties to the country.
The 27-year-old, who now plays for England, was born in Canada to Nigerian parents and spent part of his early life in London. His breakout came at Chelsea during the 2019/20 season under Frank Lampard, before his big move to Serie A.
Speaking on the Filthy Fellas Podcast, Tomori admitted that representing Nigeria was a possibility — but only in theory.
“Nigeria isn’t bad, though. All my boys are there — Ola [Aina], Mola [Lookman], and Alex [Iwobi],” he said.
“It’s not like I wouldn’t have played there, but they never called me, so I never had a choice to make. If they called me, I would have a decision to make, but they never officially called me.”
Tomori played for Canada at youth level before switching to England’s U-19 team at 18, and later progressed to the Three Lions’ senior squad.
💬 Opinion: A Missed Opportunity That Keeps Repeating
Tomori’s comments strike a familiar chord — another top-class player with Nigerian roots who slipped through the cracks. From Eberechi Eze to Bukayo Saka and Tammy Abraham, the pattern has been painfully consistent:
Nigeria reacts — England acts.
Our scouting sometimes waits until a player is fully established, rather than building relationships early. Meanwhile, other nations keep their doors wide open and their calls very quick.
Imagine a Super Eagles backline featuring Tomori and Troost-Ekong, with Ola Aina bombing up the flank. That’s a defensive dream Nigeria never even tried to chase.
In football, timing is everything.
Sometimes one phone call can change a nation’s destiny — and in Tomori’s case, that call never came.
🇳🇬 A Message for the Future
Nigeria has talent everywhere — Europe, America, even Canada.
But talent only becomes ours when we show interest early and build trust.
Tomori’s story should be a lesson:
In the race for dual-nationality stars…
you don’t win by waiting — you win by knocking first.
