Captain of Milton Keynes Dons Women F.C., Favour Omenazu, has pledged her international future to Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), turning down the opportunity to represent England.

Born eligible to play for England, Omenazu instead opted for her father’s homeland, describing the decision as deeply personal and rooted in heritage. Speaking to AYSuga Channel, the versatile midfielder expressed pride at the prospect of wearing Nigeria’s colours.

“It would be a proud moment because that’s where I’m from; that’s where my family is from,” she said. “Everyone at home would be eager to attend any games and help in any way they could, and it would really mean a lot to me to give back to my heritage and where I’m from. So it would be amazing.”

Omenazu emphasized that her ambition goes beyond competing at the highest level. “One of my goals is to play for my country’s team, stand for my nation, and perform well,” she added.

Though primarily a midfielder, she has often been deployed as a right-back—where she is widely regarded as one of the top performers in England’s fourth tier—thanks to her physical presence and technical quality. Team officials have described her as exceptionally talented and tactically flexible.

A product of Leicester City W.F.C., Omenazu has also featured for Northampton Town W.F.C., Stourbridge F.C. Women, and Bugbrooke St Michaels before rising to captaincy at MK Dons Women. Football clearly runs in her blood—her father was a goalkeeper, and she is proudly continuing the family legacy in a different position on the pitch.

Opinion: A Win for Nigeria and a Statement of Identity

Omenazu’s decision reflects a growing trend among dual-eligible players choosing to represent their roots. But beyond football, it speaks to something deeper—identity, belonging, and pride.

For Nigeria, this is more than just adding another talented player to the squad; it is a reinforcement of the country’s global appeal and football heritage. Players raised abroad but choosing Nigeria often bring valuable exposure, discipline, and experience from structured systems in Europe, strengthening the national team’s depth ahead of major tournaments like WAFCON.

For Omenazu, the choice appears heartfelt rather than strategic. Her words suggest a desire to reconnect, give back, and inspire. And in modern football, where national allegiance can sometimes feel transactional, such sincerity resonates strongly with fans.

If she carries her club form onto the international stage, Nigeria may have secured not just a reliable midfielder or right-back—but a passionate leader ready to wear the green and white with pride.