Emeka Onwubiko receives Irish passport, can now play competitive internationalsA Nigerian-born soccer player who was prevented from representing Ireland competitively because he did not have Irish citizenship is now free to play a full role in the Irish set-up after receiving his passport last week.
Emeka Onwubiko (17), who has played for Ireland in friendly games from under-15 to under-19 level, was ecstatic when he received his Irish passport last Friday. He told Metro Eireann: “It’s great. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. I was over the moon.”
The player, described as a bright prospect by former Ireland manager Brian Kerr, had been prevented from lining out for Ireland in competitive games because of his lack of Irish citizenship.
However, Onwubiko could now take part in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers for Sean McCaffrey’s under-19 side, which take place from 14-19 May at venues in Dublin and Drogheda.
The passport also means that English clubs are now free to sign the youngster. The fleet-footed striker said: “It means I can sign for an English club, now all I have to do is find one that wants me!”
The 17-year-old continued: “West Brom showed an interest a while back but it couldn’t go any further because of my passport problems. Now that’s sorted I’m going to give them a ring. Hopefully something will come of it.”
Swords-based Onwubiko, who has been in Ireland for over five years, added that he will now only ever wear the green of Ireland at international level.
“If it ever comes down to a choice between playing for Ireland and Nigeria, I’ll pick Ireland,” he said.
“This is my home. My family is here, all my friends are here. I wouldn’t even consider playing for any other country. I’d never do that.”
Onwubiko’s family arrived in Ireland seeking refuge from Nigeria in 2002, and subsequently received residency on the basis of an Irish-born child within the family.
