Former Manchester United youth forward Dillon Hoogewerf has revealed his intention to represent Nigeria at senior international level, despite previously featuring for the Netherlands in youth competitions.
The 23-year-old attacker, born in Almere, is eligible to play for Nigeria through his mother, who hails from the West African nation. Hoogewerf disclosed that he has visited Nigeria several times and feels a deep personal and cultural connection to the country.
“It’s my mother’s country. I have been there a few times and have said I wanted to help people there,” he told Voetbal International.
Hoogewerf previously played for the Netherlands at U15 and U16 levels and featured in a European U17 Championship qualifier against Kosovo in October 2019.
However, he admitted that the opportunity to play for Nigeria first arose when he was 16, but the outbreak of COVID-19 and his involvement with Dutch youth teams delayed any potential switch.
“When I was sixteen, I got the opportunity to play for Nigeria. Then COVID came, and I was playing for the Dutch youth teams,” he explained.
He added that talks have recently resumed regarding a possible allegiance change.
“This season, we reconnected. To represent Nigeria, I need to perform at a better level,” he said.
Should the switch materialise, Hoogewerf would be eligible to feature for Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles, three-time African champions.
The forward suggested that representing Nigeria offers a unique legacy opportunity.
“That culture suits me better. You have a better chance of being remembered in Africa. There are so many good footballers,” he noted.
His potential switch adds to the growing list of dual-nationality players considering international careers with Nigeria, as the country continues to tap into its diaspora talent pool.
