Former Bayern Leverkusen forward Sidney Sam says he regretted not taking up the chance to play for Nigeria when he was approached to switch allegiance in 2013.
The forward represented Germany at various youth level and even the senior national team but after showing interest in switching to Nigeria , he made a dramatic U-turn when he was called up to the German team for two friendly games in preparation for the 2014 World Cup.
After being called up for Germany’s friendlies against Ecuador and the United States In 2013, the then Bayer Leverkusen player claimed he never intended to represent the Super Eagles.
“The 2014 World Cup is still far away but for me it is only Germany that counts. We don’t have to speak about Nigeria.
“I never really thought about Nigeria and I do not know who invented that.
“I always wanted to play for Germany and I know I was on the coach’s list. It is a pity, I was often injured but now I am here and want to prove my strengths”, he said in May 2013.
Looking back at his decision , the 32 year old who now plays for SCR Altach in Austria said his decision to snub Nigeria for Germany cost him big when it comes to playing at the highest level of international football which is the World Cup.
He was named in the German 30 man provisional squad for the tournament in Brazil which they won but he didn’t make the final 23 man squad for the tournament proper.
“ Looking back I can say I was close to winning the World Cup with Germany. Maybe I would have played in it if I had accepted the chance offered by Nigeria. My regret yes it is but in life when you make a decision you live with the consequences “, he said.
His statement is coming at a time when Nigeria is trying to lure Hertha Berlin defender Jordan Torunarigha to the team after his stellar performance this season .
The son of former shooting starts forward Ojokojo Torunarigha is however adamant on pushing for a spot with the senior national team of Germany after progressing through the youth ranks.
He is in line to represent the U23 of Germany at the Olympics with many suggesting that he will likely revisit the issue of representing Nigeria after the tournament in Tokyo.
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