Ex-Nigeria U20 Invitee Commits To Canada Despite Earlier Talks With NFF President

Ex-Nigeria U20 Invitee Commits To Canada Despite Earlier Talks With NFF President

By BSN Sports 

Former Nigeria U20 invitee Owen Goodman has officially realized his ambition to represent Canada at the senior international level, despite previous discussions with Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Musa Gusau. 

According to OwnGoalNigeria, Goodman, who was called up by Nigeria during preparations for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina, was unable to join the squad due to a series of logistical and administrative challenges. After the tournament, the Crystal Palace goalkeeper travelled to Nigeria alongside his mother, where he met with the NFF president and presented him with a signed club jersey a gesture many interpreted as a sign of openness to committing to the Super Eagles.

However, Goodman later clarified that his long-term aspiration had always been to play for Canada. Though he previously represented England at youth level, he explained that spending his formative years between Canada and England influenced his identity, ultimately making Canada the country he felt most connected to.

According to his father, the final obstacle was securing Canadian citizenship. That hurdle was cleared last month after Goodman received confirmation from his immigration lawyer that his childhood residency qualified him for citizenship. The development ended months of speculation surrounding his international future.

Following the confirmation of his eligibility, Goodman was named in Canada’s squad for the recent international window and appeared on the bench for the team’s goalless friendly draw against Ecuador at BMO Field. While he did not feature in the match, the call-up marked his first involvement with the Canadian senior national team.