Dike Explains Decision To Represent USA Over Nigeria

West Bromwich Albion forward Daryl Dike has shed light on his decision to choose the United States of America national team over Nigeria, despite his family’s strong ties to the Super Eagles.

While his brother and sister, Courtney, have both represented Nigeria, the 25-year-old Dike opted for a different path, having already earned 10 caps for the USA and scored three goals.

“When I was younger, that was the thing – you’re going to be part of the Super Eagles. My brother is trying to get me to play with Nigeria. When I was younger, to be honest, I fully thought ‘I’m playing for Nigeria’,” Dike revealed in an interview with Beast Mode On.

He continued, explaining the turning point: “Then when I went to MLS and started playing, I never went to any academies when I was younger, and the USA called me. I remember talking with my brother, with my family, and they were like ‘You know if you play with the USA, you’re not going to be able to play with Nigeria’. I was like ‘Yeah, I still want to do it’. At the end of the day, it’s your decision.”

Dike elaborated on the factors influencing his choice: “Every footballer wants to represent their country. Fortunately, I have Nigeria and the USA – I grew up in the USA, I have my Nigerian roots. It was a big part of me, a country I grew up in my entire life. I wouldn’t brush it aside or leave it for something that may not even happen.”

He also acknowledged the strong competition for places in the Nigerian squad: “Nigeria has tons of phenomenal strikers, who knows if I would even have been called by Nigeria. Even then, I’m looking at the USA and thinking ‘they have got an exciting squad here’ – Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest, there are tons of big names going around. I’m like ‘I can be part of this.”